Manchester United have reportedly earmarked Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen as a “priority target” this summer as they seek to bolster their attacking options. The forward has previously been linked with a move to Old Trafford.
However, United are not the only club circling. The Spanish media outlet AS reports that Atletico Madrid have made an approach for the Nigerian international, but face a battle with United, who have pinpointed Osimhen as a key objective in the forthcoming transfer window.
The 27-year-old has caught the eye in Turkey since completing his switch, initially on a temporary basis, from Napoli. The deal was made permanent last summer with Galatasaray shelling out a fee of £64.8million.
Throughout the recently concluded campaign, Osimhen netted 22 goals in 33 outings across all competitions, while also registering eight assists. In his 10 Champions League appearances, he has contributed seven goals and three assists.
Galatasaray are unlikely to sanction a departure, and will hold out for a substantial fee should any formal interest be lodged. It’s also noted that Osimhen’s £13m annual wages could prove a stumbling block for any potential suitor.
United currently have Benjamin Sesko and Joshua Zirkzee as their senior striking options, though both Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have also filled the role at various points last season.
Zirkzee has been strongly linked with a departure this summer, suggesting United will need to bring in at least one additional striker to bolster their attacking ranks.
Former Premier League goalkeeper Ben Foster has argued that securing the right striker could prove pivotal to their chances of mounting a title challenge next season, even putting forward a specific name.
“They need a couple of big midfielders, they need a couple of big defenders, and if they can get a killer striker, then they will genuinely be threatening next season,” he told the Manchester Evening News.
“Lewandowski’s on a free transfer, he’s leaving Barcelona at the end of this season.
“Somebody like that, Man United have got a massive history of signing these sort of players on one-year deals, just bringing that level of experience.
“And I think having somebody like that come through the door, I mean, it really sets the tone for a lot of the young lads that are coming through. They get to see what the level is like, they get to see the professionalism of a Robert Lewandowski.”