June 14, 2025
Manchester United are weighing a potential move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen following Arsenal’s advances in the race for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
Both Premier League giants are in the hunt for a new centre-forward this summer. However, tensions have emerged between Gyokeres and Sporting CP over transfer terms, with the Swedish international and his camp accusing the Portuguese club of reneging on previously agreed conditions regarding his release fee.
Arsenal have already tabled a €55 million (£46.8m) bid plus €10 million (£8.5m) in performance-related add-ons, which was rejected. A revised offer is anticipated, and with Champions League football on offer at the Emirates, Gyokeres is believed to favour a move to north London.
United’s hopes of securing his signature have dimmed, partly due to their failure to qualify for European competition next season—an issue that also reportedly swayed Liam Delap’s recent decision to join Chelsea.
As Arsenal gain ground on Gyokeres, United have shifted their focus back to Osimhen. According to The Sun, the club is reviving discussions with Napoli, who are demanding a transfer fee in the region of €75 million.
Osimhen, who scored 37 goals in 41 appearances during a loan spell at Galatasaray, is set to return to Napoli after talks with Saudi side Al-Hilal collapsed. Galatasaray are eager to retain him, but the striker remains open to a Premier League move.
French outlet Foot Mercato reports that negotiations with United have resumed, with a proposed annual salary of €12 million under discussion.
However, United’s absence from European competitions could again prove a stumbling block. Former Nigeria international John Obi Mikel, who was involved in prior attempts to bring Osimhen to Chelsea, believes the striker’s ambition to play in the Champions League could influence his decision.
“As a top player, of course it’s a factor,” Mikel told Metro. “He might consider giving it a season if he trusts the project and believes in the manager’s signings. But ultimately, we all want to see him in the Champions League.”
United now face a critical decision in their summer transfer strategy as Arsenal edge closer to sealing Gyokeres’ signature.
