Transfer Gossip: Man Utd move for £85m striker and may agree £146k-a-week deal

Manchester United are closing on the exciting signing of Victor Osimhen, Arsenal are on the brink of announcing their first summer signing, while Monday’s paper talk claims Chelsea are ready to hand two of their top stars massive payrises.

VICTOR OSIMHEN NEARING MAN UTD TRANSFER

Manchester United are reportedly in contact with Victor Osimhen over a £85m switch to Old Trafford.

New United manager Erik ten Hag will on Monday begin work at his new Carrington training base, having terminated his Ajax deal early. Indeed, he may well be in the stands for their final match of the season, away to Crystal Palace on Sunday.

But the work on his squad will begin immediately, and a summer of major change is likely at Old Trafford.

The Dutchman will look to strengthen all areas of his side, with up to 12 players departing as Ten Hag makes his mark.

He wants new additions in defence, midfield and attack – and it seems like efforts to bolster his strikeforce are already underway.

Indeed, reports in Italy claim United are already working on a deal for Osimhen.

Napoli are open to his sale this summer, but will reportedly seek a whopping £85m (€100m) for his services.

The Nigerian, still only 23, has 18 goals in 31 appearances this season, including 14 in 23 Serie A starts.

United need a response in attack with neighbours Manchester City agreeing a deal to sign Erling Haaland.

Victor Osimhen a quality addition

While Haaland ranks in that top echelon of strikers, Osimhen certainly falls into the bracket of those pushing to make the top tier.

Manchester United offer Martial to Napoli for Osimhen

Napoli rejected Manchester United's first offer for Victor Osimhen, now the Red Devils are looking to offer Anthony Martial in a swap deal.

And his side signing could deliver added pep to a Manchester United attack that has relied far too heavily on Cristiano Ronaldo this season.

Now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, United are reportedly hopeful of securing his signing. With talks already underway, they claim Osimhen could agree a five-year deal worth £146,000 a week. That is more than double the money he currently earns at Napoli.

United will likely bid farewell to Anthony Martial and Edinson Cavani this summer so certainly need at least one new addition.

Indeed, United are reportedly willing to offer Martial to Napoli as part of any deal for Osimhen.

ARSENAL AGREE SIGNING OF MARQUINHOS

Arsenal are reportedly on the brink of annoucing their first signing of the summer in Marquinhos from Sao Paulo.

The winger, just 19 and not to be confused with the PSG defender of the same name, was linked with the Gunners over the weekend.

He will reportedly cost just £3m with the teenager left out of the Sao Paulo squad on Sunday during their 2-1 win over Cuiaba.

Now, according to the Daily Mirror, Arsenal have secured his signing with the player signing a five-year deal at Emirates Stadium.

Now viewed as an immediate first-team player, Arsenal see the teenager as someone who will one day make the breakthrough.

He has four goals and three assists from 40 appearances for Sao Paulo and is very much seen as one for the future at Arsenal.

Sao Paulo head coach Rogerio Ceni spoke warmly about the player when questioned earlier this month.

“Marquinhos helps us especially when he enters the second half,” Ceni said. “He has helped more when he comes on, especially in the second half.

“He is a good player in that three that we use in attack because he helps, recomposes, runs from deep.”

CHELSEA DUO MOUNT AND JAMES TO SIGN NEW DEALS

Chelsea’s first act of the summer transfer market will be to tie Reece James and Mason Mount to bumper new deals.

The Blues’ spending sanctions are soon due to be lifted thanks to Todd Boehly’s takeover.

Now, according to the Daily Mail, Thomas Tuchel wants to tie down James and Mount as soon as he can.

The England pair have become two of the first names on Tuchel’s teamsheets, having developed their game under the German.

Mount has underlined his importance to Chelsea with 13 goals and 16 assists in a stellar season.

James, meanwhile, has made the right wing-back slot his own with some excellent displays for the Blues.

He has six goals and 10 assists so far this season.

With talks already underway, the pair will soon sign lengthy new deals at Stamford Bridge which will net the duo a handsome payrise.

James’ current deal expires in 2025, but is currently way down Chelsea’s wages list.

Mount’s contract, meanwhile, is currently due to end in 2024.