According to startling claims, Manchester United has rejoined Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain in their pursuit of elite striker Victor Osimhen.

Osimhen was generally expected to leave Napoli last summer after a great 2022-23 season in which he scored 31 goals in 39 appearances and helped the team win a much-needed title. However, the attacker stayed put and signed a new contract with a €130 million (£111 million) release clause.

However, Osimhen and Napoli had an unimpressive season in 2023-24. The player has missed numerous games due to injury, illness, and the Africa Cup of Nations, yet he has still scored 17 goals in 31 appearances.

Meanwhile, Napoli has failed to defend their Serie A title and has dropped to as low as tenth place in the table.

Osimhen looks much more likely to leave Napoli this summer than he did in 2023, with many clubs lining up to sign him.

PSG believe the Nigerian would be an excellent alternative for Kylian Mbappe, but they will face stiff competition from Premier League clubs.

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Chelsea are in need of a new striker, and Osimhen is said to be interested in a move to Stamford Bridge.

But, according to sources from Italy, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Manchester United have re-entered the race for Osimhen.

Manchester United transfers: Victor Osimhen moves back on

The Red Devils are on the hunt for an experienced striker to help Rasmus Hojlund out and Osimhen is a perfect suitor. He is four years older than Hojlund, at 25, and has scored goals in Italy, France, and Belgium thus far.

Old Trafford’s finances are said to be tight, so Ratcliffe will need to work smartly to bankroll a massive move for Osimhen.

Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial have already been confirmed to go. Ratcliffe could sell other players including Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, Antony, Casemiro, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Christian Eriksen to help him match Osimhen’s £111m price tag.

While Osimhen has had a dismal season by his own lofty standards, it is likely to be a hiccup, and he will be ready to go when he lands in England.

The former Lille star might push Manchester City’s Erling Haaland for future Golden Boots provided those around him at Manchester United provide him with adequate service.

Ratcliffe reigniting Manchester United’s pursuit of Osimhen comes after Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis chastised his star player for playing only half of the games he should have this season.

“You can’t force coaches to train a club or you can’t make sure that your first striker scores 28 goals and that he is not ill and that perhaps he participated in 50 per cent of the matches he should have played,” the head of the club stated.