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Manchester United are anticipated to signal a striker this summer time as INEOS look to bolster the group’s goal-scoring choices.
One in every of Ruben Amorim’s greatest challenges has been working with out a scientific finisher, which has meant the lack to transform the numerous possibilities his aspect creates.
Joshua Zirkzee operates extra as a playmaker than a conventional striker, whereas Rasmus Hojlund is but to determine himself because the prolific goal-scorer United had hoped for.
A striker signing is a matter of ‘who,’ not ‘if’
With United decided so as to add firepower, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has urged Victor Osimhen as a possible answer.
Osimhen is considered some of the deadly objective poachers in European soccer.
After a stellar season-long mortgage at Galatasaray, the place he netted 37 targets in 41 appearances, he returns to Napoli however is anticipated to maneuver on.
Following a fallout with head coach Antonio Conte final summer time, the Italian membership seem intent on cashing in.
Galatasaray are eager to signal him completely, whereas Saudi Professional League aspect Al-Hilal have additionally expressed curiosity.
A number of Premier League golf equipment, together with United, are monitoring his state of affairs.
Mikel urges Osimhen to decide on the Premier League
Reflecting on his compatriot’s future, the previous Chelsea star expressed his need to see the striker transfer to England moderately than Saudi Arabia.
“I hope there’s nonetheless a Premier League transfer for him this summer time,” Mikel advised Metro.
“I don’t need to see him in Saudi proper now as a result of he nonetheless has a lot to supply in Europe. It will be a disgrace to see him go there.”
Had he been Osimhen’s agent, he admits he would have pushed him in the direction of Stamford Bridge.
“It’s a disgrace he didn’t come to Chelsea, the membership he supported as a child rising up, however they’ve determined to go in a special route [signing Liam Delap], which is ok.”
With Chelsea securing Delap, that transfer now appears extremely unlikely.
United want Osimhen greater than Arsenal
Mikel believes each Arsenal and United want the 2024-25 Turkish Tremendous League Golden Boot winner however insists United require him extra as a result of their lack of a ahead together with his attributes.
“I feel Arsenal and Manchester United each want a striker. I don’t suppose [Rasmus] Hojlund is the man for Manchester United.
“He works onerous, however he isn’t the participant who will fireplace them into the highest 4 or win them trophies. So, for me, Manchester United may be the suitable vacation spot.”
“Perhaps Arsenal, United, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain are all choices. Let’s see what occurs.”
Arsenal, nonetheless, are unlikely to compete for Osimhen’s signature, with their focus reportedly on securing both Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko.
United’s striker search continues, and with out Champions League soccer, touchdown prime targets has confirmed difficult.
Only in the near past, they missed out on Liam Delap.
Osimhen would possibly settle for a season with out Champions League
Regardless of United’s struggles, Mikel suggests Osimhen will not be discouraged by the membership’s absence from Europe’s prime competitors.
“Perhaps he would say, ‘I’ll give it a season.’ Understanding he’s within the squad with just a few different signings that Ruben Amorim brings in, the gamers he needs, it’s one thing Victor would possibly take into account. Perhaps he would take into consideration sacrificing a season.”
Osimhen’s sharpness in entrance of objective would undoubtedly strengthen United’s assault.
Can INEOS afford his wages?
Regardless of his capacity, issues stay over whether or not INEOS can meet his hefty wage demands.
Nonetheless, with United in determined want of a scientific ahead, one can not rule out the ex-Lille striker as the ultimate piece in Amorim’s attacking rebuild.
Mikel additionally revealed that Osimhen feels he has unfinished enterprise in Europe.
“I’ve had just a few conversations with him.
“I gained’t say a lot about what these conversations had been, however he’s working to verify he leads to a prime, prime European league the place he can showcase his expertise and compete to win the Champions League.”
Osimhen main the road forward of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in Amorim’s United assault subsequent season? That could possibly be one thing particular.
Function picture Ahmad Mora through Getty Photographs
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