Man Utd willing to sacrifice Martial to aid Osimhen transfer pursuit

James Shearman

• Updated: 13 May 2022 21:31 BST
• 3 min read

Manchester United are looking to complete a swap deal with Napoli involving forwards Anthony Martial and Victor Osimhen.

United are hoping to sign a new striker as Edinson Cavani's two-year stint at Old Trafford is coming to an end this summer, while Mason Greenwood is still unable to play as a result on an ongoing police investigation.

37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo has been in fine form in recent weeks but an alternative option or even a strike partner is necessary going forward.

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Martial is not seen as that player, having underperformed over the past two seasons.

Indeed, he was shipped off on loan to La Liga side Sevilla in January, where he has managed just one goal and one assist in 12 appearances in all competitions.

Instead, Osimhen is the man that the United hierarchy have identified as the solution to the problem.

The Nigeria international has scored 13 times in 22 Serie A starts, an excellent record for a 23-year-old.

That also means that he has reached double figures for goals in four consecutive seasons, at Belgian club RSC Charleroi, Lille and two years running at Napoli.

This record is what will have caught the eye of Europe's top clubs, none more so than Manchester United.

And, Area Napoli claim that the Red Devils have already had an approach for the young forward turned down.

United will be looking to complete deals as early as possible, ahead of new manager Erik ten Hag's first preseason.

But, it appears Napoli are going to make it difficult for the Premier League's sixth-placed side to take their star man.

Martial to Napoli?

The Red Devils are planning on 'relaunching the operation' by involving Martial is a potential deal for Osimhen.

Having enjoyed his time in Spain, despite failing to produce his best form, Martial would prefer a move to La Liga.

Though, current club Sevilla are not thought to be overly interested in turning the Frenchman's loan deal into a permanent one.

As such, United are looking to 'act in advance' by letting go of Martial to make way for an incoming transfer.

Napoli, however, have 'little interest' in bringing the the 26-year-old to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium this summer.