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The Red Devils are reported to be among the admirers of the Nigerian striker but it appears they will have to look elsewhere for reinforcements.
Manchester United might have to look elsewhere in search of a forward after Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis insisted the club will not sell star striker Victor Osimhen this summer.
Osimhen, 24, has been one of the club's most influential players this campaign as they ended a 33-year wait for a Serie A title.
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09:53 - 05.05.2023
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Mario Balotelli was on Instagram Live to celebrate with his friend Victor Osimhen after a historic night with SSC Napoli.
The Nigerian scored the crucial equalising goal against Udinese on Thursday which confirmed the title, though his goals and general performances had long meant it was an inevitability.
Osimhen has notched 22 goals in 27 league appearances this season, only serving to heighten speculation surrounding his future with a host of Europe's top clubs, among them United and Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, said to be interested in acquiring his services in the forthcoming transfer window.
However, the infamously difficult to deal with De Laurentiis has offered a warning to those who feel they will be able to sign him, insisting the club would not allow him to depart this summer.
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“I will not sell Victor Osimhen this summer, no way!” De Laurentiis told Cinque Minuti.
“He's a legend I've been chasing for at least 10 years. I finally brought him to Naples after the Covid crisis and I hope to open a cycle with him, because he is a great leader.
It is another indication of the trouble some clubs might have this summer in attempting to pick apart Napoli's title-winning side.
Speculation has linked Osimhen and his teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with big money moves away this summer, while Kim Min-Jae Kim and Stanislav Lobotka, among others, are also said to be the subject of interest from abroad.
De Laurentiis, who has owned Napoli since the club went bust in 2004, has developed a fierce reputation over the years for his no-nonsense approach to negotiations and the often sky-high prices he demands for the club's top talent.
Kalidou Koulibaly, it is believed, was long denied a move away from the club owing to the figures De Laurentiis mooted to those who expressed an interest.
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19:08 - 05.05.2023
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has urged his team to move on from their defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion in order to continue their push for a place in the top four.
United are said to be one of those interested in Osimhen, with Erik ten Hag having made no secret of his desire to add quality to his squad this summer.
It is believed Osimhen would cost upwards of £100m, with his asking price potentially as high as £150m. His contract runs until 2025, meaning Napoli have an upper hand in any negotiations that might take place.
Osimhen's Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro, however, believes the club might have a tall order on their hands trying to hold onto him.
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20:26 - 05.05.2023
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"Everyone wants to buy one like this, it won't be easy for Napoli to keep him in the summer,” Peseiro told Tuttomercatoweb
“If the Azzurri rightly ask for millions for his price tag, I am convinced that there will be several clubs willing to meet their high demands. This Osimhen would be a starter in any team in the world.”
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