Report: Man United eye £83m Arsenal target to replace Cristiano Ronaldo

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Manchester United have now reportedly joined the race to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who is also on Arsenal’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Rai Sport via Football Italia, the Red Devils have identified the Nigerian international as their main target to replace superstar striker Cristiano Ronaldo next season, with Napoli valuing Osimhen at €100m (£83m).

Ronaldo’s future is uncertain at United with the Manchester giants facing a battle to qualify for the UEFA Champions League and Osimhen, who is also wanted by Arsenal, looks to be in line to replace the Portuguese legend in the summer window.

The 22-year-old has been in impressive form this season, with Osimhen hitting 11 goals in 22 appearances for Napoli as the Serie A side aim to win their first Serie A title this century under Luciano Spalletti.

It’s not just United who are chasing Osimhen, though, with Napoli Piu reporting that Arsenal are hot on the heels for the Napoli striker, with Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar eager to sign a long-term replacement for Alexandre Lacazette this summer.

At 22, Osimhen fits the profile for Arsenal are looking for in new signings, and with a decent record in Serie A, the former LOSC Lille star could be a genuine candidate to lead the Gunners attack next season if they can now beat United to the forward’s signature.

Arsenal project could be more exciting for Osimhen than United

Osimhen will no doubt be a man in demand this summer, yet for the player himself, a move to Arsenal could be more exciting than a transfer to United given how the two clubs have performed this season.

The Gunners, for the first time in a long time, look to have a clear identity and project that is being backed by Stan Kroenke, whilst at United, the Red Devils again look like they are walking aimlessly with no clear direction or objective.

For Osimhen, this alone could be enough for him to choose Arsenal over a move to United, even if the Red Devils are to finish above their Premier League rivals in the standings this season.