Manchester United have revived their interest in Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and are considering a player-plus-cash offer involving Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee in a bid to strike a deal with Napoli.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, United are exploring alternative ways to meet Napoli’s valuation for Osimhen, whose €75 million release clause remains a significant hurdle.
Rather than activating the full clause, the Red Devils are reportedly working on a swap deal to reduce the overall cost.
Read Also: Victor Osimhen rejects Al-Hilal’s €40m-a-year salary offer
Zirkzee, who joined United from Bologna last summer, is a key component of the proposed offer. The 24-year-old registered seven goals in 49 appearances across all competitions during the 2024/25 season.
Napoli are said to be open to the deal if Zirkzee is included, as they prepare for life beyond Osimhen.
Concerns over Osimhen’s high wage demands were initially viewed as a barrier to a Premier League move. However, his decision to reject a lucrative offer from Saudi club Al-Hilal suggests that financial gain is not his top priority.
Osimhen appears determined to remain in Europe, and while Galatasaray have been linked with interest, a move to a higher-profile league seems more likely.
United’s ability to fund the move may hinge on offloading players, following significant spending of £120 million on Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha earlier this year.
That situation may work in their favour, as Osimhen is in no rush to make a decision, carefully weighing his options and reportedly uninterested in destinations that could disrupt a potential Old Trafford switch.
A move for the Super Eagles star would represent a major attacking reinforcement for new manager Ruben Amorim, potentially adding the firepower needed to restore United’s competitive edge.
