Transfers

Osimhen: Saudi Arabian clubs tempted me with huge money but I fear my career

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has left the door ajar for a potential move to the Premier League after John Obi Mikel urged him to join Chelsea.

The Nigeria international scored 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances last term as Napoli won the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years and he’s followed that up by bagging six goals in eight league outings this term.

His brilliant performances and goalscoring ability has seen him linked with a number of clubs around Europe, including Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

The 24-year-old is unlikely to be on the move in January with Napoli sporting director Mauro Meluso recently dismissing the chance of any of their top players leaving in the middle of the season.

Chelsea had been struggling to convert their chances in the earlier stages of the season but they’ve now scored a combined 14 goals in their last five Premier League fixtures.

But former Blues midfielder Mikel believes they are still lacking a striker like Osimhen – who is one of the most valuable players in the world – with the former Nigeria international urging his compatriot to move to Stamford Bridge.

“We’re crying out for him,” Mikel said on The Obi One Podcast.

“You look at our Chelsea team, we’re not playing that great at the minute but then we lack goals, we lack a striker who can run into spaces, who can create.

“I was watching Darwin Nunez for Liverpool, he had about 11 shots and all the runs he made, he created those chances by himself because he was running in behind.

“That’s something Victor will give us at Chelsea, a striker who is really willing to run behind, obviously those passes will come through and he will get goals.

“I think we’re crying out for goals, if he comes to Chelsea I think it will suit him really well because we don’t have anyone doing that right now so there’s not going to be too much pressure on him coming into the club because obviously we need that, we’re crying out for that.

“You know, my advice is for him to come to Chelsea.”

Osimhen, who was a guest on Mikel’s podcast, hinted that he would only move to another European club if he left Napoli after rejecting a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal over the summer.

When asked if he wants to carry on playing in Europe, Osimhen said on The Obi One Podcast: “Of course.

“What was said was true, I had talks, in August that week was a huge one, a huge decision for me to take, but I actually put it in God’s hands.

“But the more I said no to these people [in Saudi Arabia] the more they increased it and increased it, it was literally like, ‘wow’, seeing these things.

“I spoke with the people in charge and we spoke about it with my club and we saw what we could do, we decided, me and them and I told them, ‘I like these people, I want to stay, I don’t think I want to leave for now’. They understand where I’m coming from but they never gave up until their own transfer window [closed].

“I said to them even before we played the first game of the season, ‘it’s done’, I really didn’t want to go back thinking, of course it’s a huge one, an amazing one that’s going to change my life but of course I had to make the decision that’s good for my career too.

“As much as we play football for money there’s more that comes with it.”

Transfers

Man Utd Ready To Hijack £90m Rated Arsenal Target

Under Ten Hag, Manchester United signed attacking players like Antony, Hojlund and Zirkzee, but the trio have not been productive in front of goal.

The Red Devils need a world class playmaker to light up Old Trafford and they are serious about signing a quality Georgian international

According to Sport MediaSet, Man Utd are ready to agree a contract with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia that will make him earn nine million euros a year, 45 million euros (£37.4m) in the next five years.

The Italian news source have mentioned that Napoli have been trying to reach an agreement with the versatile winger, but so far, they have only offered six million euros a season. On the other hand, United have offered three million more.

The 23-year-old star’s current deal with the Serie A leaders will expire in 2027 and he is not going to come for cheap.

Earlier this month, Caught Offside revealed that Man Utd manager, Ruben Amorim, wants to lure Kvaratskhelia, who is valued at £90m and also on the wish-lists of Arsenal and Liverpool.

The youngster, who can effectively play on the left flank and even as a center forward, was a key member of the Naples based side that won the Scudetto in the 2022-23 campaign.

In the current season, so far, he has netted 5 goals and registered 2 assists in 12 league starts under the management of former Chelsea boss, Antonio Conte.

Transfers

Van Nistelrooy Set For Leicester Job

Leicester Appoints Ruud Van Nistelrooy As Manager

Former Manchester United assistant manager Ruud van Nistelrooy looks poised for a new job.

Following the sacking of Steve Cooper, Leicester City are hoping to appoint the Dutchman as his replacement.

The Telegraph explains: “Ruud van Nistelrooy is close to making a swift Premier League return as the manager of Leicester City.

“The Manchester United legend has held extensive talks with the Leicester hierarchy this week and is set to be confirmed as the replacement for Steve Cooper, who was sacked by the strugglers on Sunday afternoon.

“Van Nistelrooy is crucially available with no compensation after recently leaving United, following an interim spell of four matches in charge after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.

“Leicester have discussed the post with the 48-year-old and, while the club’s hierarchy has been determined to explore a number of options, could appoint the former Netherlands international before the trip to Brentford on Saturday.

“Other possible candidates, including former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, and ex-West Ham manager David Moyes, have both been ruled out by sources close to Leicester.”

Transfers

Meet Four Strikers Man United Shortlist For January Transfer

Victor Osimhen's Goal Rescues Impressive Galatasaray In Europa League

Manchester United have Victor Osimhen, Omar Marmoush, Randal Kolo Muani and Victor Boniface on their shortlist of January targets.

According to the The Mirror, Ruben Amorim wants a striker given the club’s woeful scoring record this season.

Fernandes sets sights on Europa League glory – ‘Probably the biggest target’Fernandes sets sights on Europa League glory – ‘Probably the biggest target’

The paper states: “Manchester United are considering their options for the January transfer window after deciding that signing a striker is a priority.

“United have scored just 13 goals in 12 Premier League games so far this season – the joint fourth-worst tally in the division. They finished last season with 57 goals and a goal difference of -1 and strikers Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have struggled for consistency.

“Victor Osimhen, who is on loan from Napoli to Galatasaray, is one of the names on the list, having netted eight goals in 10 games this season. After being priced out of a permanent move over the summer, he has a £63 million release clause for 2025.

“Omar Marmoush has caught their attention by scoring 11 goals in as many games for Eintracht Frankfurt. The Egypt international could cost around £50m after hitting a purple patch.

“Other options include Paris Saint-Germain’s Randal Kolo Muani and Bayer Leverkusen forward Victor Boniface. Kolo Muani has struggled to get into the PSG team this season and would reportedly be available on loan, just a year after joining the French giants for £77m.”