BREAKING NEWS: coming live from Fabrizio Romano, 🚨 JUST IN, Manchester United’s new owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is reportedly in negotiations with Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian international is seen as one of the most promising young strikers in world football, and Ratcliffe is keen to make him his first signing of the summer. Osimhen, who is still only 23 years old, has been in sensational form this season, scoring 17 goals in just 28 appearances. Sir Jim Ratcliffe Locks in Negotiations for ‘Napoli Hit-Man’ Victor Osimhen – Star Expected to Be First Summer Signing”.

The Napoli forward is widely anticipated to leave the reigning Italian champions in the upcoming summer transfer window following a disappointing season. With a reported release clause in the vicinity of €130 million, Victor Osimhen could be acquired by any interested party without the need for initial negotiations with his current club.

Chelsea, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain have all been strongly linked with the Nigerian striker at various points. PSG views Osimhen as the ideal successor to Kylian Mbappe, who is bound for Real Madrid, while Chelsea and Arsenal seek to strengthen their attacking options with a top-tier number nine.

Previously, Chelsea had been considered frontrunners to secure Osimhen’s signature, with reports suggesting his desire to emulate Chelsea legend Didier Drogba at Stamford Bridge. However, with the possibility of Napoli teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia snubbing Chelsea, their pursuit of Osimhen could also be jeopardized.

According to FOOTBALLWAVE, Manchester United and PSG are now emerging as the primary contenders to secure Osimhen’s signature. Despite recent assertions from INEOS executive Jean-Claude Blanc suggesting otherwise, Manchester United, backed by the financial resources of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, appear poised to make a significant splash in the transfer market. Head coach Erik ten Hag had expressed a desire to sign a striker in January, indicating that Manchester United could pursue Osimhen if the opportunity arises, even though ten Hag’s tenure at the club might be in question by then.

Rumors have circulated in recent weeks suggesting that Ratcliffe could target Osimhen as a marquee signing, although initially, this pursuit hinged on Champions League qualification, which now seems increasingly unlikely following consecutive defeats. However, the latest report indicates that Champions League qualification may no longer be a prerequisite for Manchester United’s pursuit of Osimhen.

The prospect of Manchester United securing both Osimhen and Michael Olise, another potential target, suggests a significant financial outlay, estimated at around €200 million. Despite the hefty investment required, Manchester United’s status as favorites to land Osimhen comes as a surprise, particularly considering the potential financial implications and competition from other elite clubs in pursuit of the striker.