Former France defender William Gallas has surprisingly described Manchester United as an ideal destination for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, rather than his former London club Arsenal. Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has been linked with a move to the English top-flight since last summer.
According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, United are understood to have reached a provisional agreement with Osimhen’s camp, signaling their intent to activate his €75m release clause. Juventus and Chelsea are also said to be interested, while Arsenal are expected to shop for a striker in the summer.
Speaking in an interview with Prime Casino, Gallas shared his thoughts on Osimhen’s potential adaptation to English football, emphasizing how United would provide a more patient platform for the Nigerian striker’s development. “We’ve seen foreign players before, it’s often difficult for them in the first season,” Gallas said. “The second season they step up, so it’s not unusual at all. Even (Cristiano) Ronaldo, in his first season, wasn’t the Ronaldo we know now, but in the second season there were signs.”
Gallas believes that United’s current situation would allow Osimhen to develop at his own pace. “If Arsenal need results straight away, they need to win the Premier League next year, then they need one player who can do it straight away. They don’t have time. If we talk about Manchester United, from where they are now, they don’t need to win the league. They’re looking to be top four or top five, so maybe they can give Osimhen the time he needs.”
However, reports suggest that the path may not be straightforward for United, with the club allegedly backing away from the deal due to Osimhen’s reported wage demands of £300,000 per week. Osimhen has been in impressive form with Galatasaray, scoring 22 goals and putting the team on the cusp of another title.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain. Gallas’s comments highlight the potential benefits of Osimhen joining Manchester United, but the club’s reported hesitation over his wage demands may complicate the deal.