According to Calcio Mercato, Napoli has reduced their asking price for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from £100m to £85m as they seek to cash in on the player this summer. Despite this, the club has yet to receive any offers for the forward.
Reports from Italy suggest that Napoli is open to a player-swap deal with Manchester United. This potential arrangement would involve Mason Greenwood moving to Napoli in exchange for Osimhen heading to Manchester United.
Manchester United is reportedly eager to sell Greenwood this summer, despite the dropping of rape charges against him last year. Greenwood impressed during his loan spell at Spanish La Liga side Getafe, where he won the club’s Player of the Season award. He has been linked with several clubs, including Juventus, Lazio, and Napoli.
Given Manchester United’s interest in Osimhen, the club might consider including Greenwood in a part-exchange deal. Napoli’s Sporting Director, Giovanni Manna, is said to have a favorable opinion of Greenwood.
Osimhen is keen to play in the Premier League, with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United showing interest. However, no club has been willing to meet his initial £100m release clause.
For a deal to materialize, Napoli may need to be flexible on their stance regarding the release clause. A combination of cash and the inclusion of Greenwood could be advantageous for both clubs.
La Repubblica, citing Spazio Napoli, reported on the potential exchange deal, translating their analysis from Italian to English:
“Napoli wouldn’t mind a technical counterpart to lower the ‘cash’ and make a high-level capital gain. It’s no mystery that sporting director Giovanni Manna likes Mason Greenwood. The talented striker has rejuvenated his career at Getafe after the accusations of domestic violence and rape, which had hindered his progress at Old Trafford.
“Both Juventus and Lazio are monitoring him; he represents an opportunity. United have decided not to continue with him despite the accusations being withdrawn by his girlfriend (with whom he later reconciled; the couple had a child), and his contract expiring in 2025 necessitates an immediate transfer. The English side’s moves will be closely watched; it’s probably Osimhen’s last chance to play in the Premier League.”
