.jpeg)
...By John Doe, Football Correspondent
In a surprising turn of events, Napoli has reduced their asking price for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to £85 million, down from the initial £100 million release clause. According to Calcio Mercato, the Italian club has yet to receive any concrete offers for Osimhen, prompting this strategic move to attract potential buyers as the summer transfer window progresses.
Further reports from Italy suggest that Napoli is open to a player-swap deal with Manchester United. This arrangement would see Mason Greenwood moving to Napoli, with Osimhen heading to Old Trafford. This potential exchange highlights Napoli's flexibility in negotiations as they aim to finalize a beneficial transfer for their star striker.
Manchester United is reportedly eager to offload Greenwood this summer. Despite the rape charges against him being dropped last year, the 22-year-old winger’s future at the club remains uncertain. Greenwood impressed during his loan spell at Getafe in the Spanish La Liga, where he earned the club’s Player of the Season award. His performances have attracted interest from several clubs, including Juventus, Lazio, and Napoli.
United’s interest in Osimhen could lead to a mutually advantageous deal, particularly given Napoli’s Sporting Director, Giovanni Manna’s favorable view of Greenwood. This potential part-exchange deal could align with Manchester United’s desire to strengthen their attacking options while facilitating Greenwood’s departure.
Osimhen, who is eager to play in the Premier League, has drawn interest from top clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. However, no club has shown a willingness to meet his original £100 million release clause. Napoli’s decision to lower the asking price reflects their readiness to negotiate and possibly close the deal swiftly.
La Repubblica, referencing Spazio Napoli, reports that the Red Devils might pursue this significant exchange with Napoli’s President, Aurelio De Laurentiis. The Italian news outlet elaborates on Napoli’s openness to a technical counterpart to reduce the cash component of the deal, noting Manna’s admiration for Greenwood.
“Napoli wouldn’t mind a technical counterpart to lower the ‘cash’ and make a high-level capital gain,” the report states. It also highlights Greenwood’s resurgence at Getafe, despite the serious accusations that previously hampered his career at Manchester United.
Juventus and Lazio are also monitoring Greenwood’s situation, viewing him as a promising opportunity. With United keen on an immediate transfer due to Greenwood’s contract expiring in 2025, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining his future and the potential arrival of Osimhen at Old Trafford.
As negotiations continue, all eyes are on Manchester United and Napoli to see if they can finalize this high-profile swap, which could mark a significant shift in both clubs' rosters and fortunes ahead of the new season.
