Why Manchester United and Chelsea could miss out on signing Victor Osimhen from Napoli next summer

Victor Osimhen has piqued the interest of top European clubs who are looking to lure him away from Napoli following his impressive performance for the club so far

Manchester United and Chelsea’s potential inability to sign Victor Osimhen next summer can largely be attributed to financial constraints stemming from their recent heavy spending and the implications of Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, Soccernet.ng reports.

Chelsea have invested significantly in player acquisitions, collectively totaling €1 billion over the last three transfer windows, almost similar to that of the Red Devils.

Such lavish spending may have stretched their financial resources to the extent that acquiring Osimhen, whose release clause stands at €130 million, could potentially breach FFP regulations.

Furthermore, Napoli’s owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, reportedly values Osimhen at €200 million, a figure that exceeds what both Manchester United and Chelsea may be willing or able to pay.

This inflated valuation presents a significant barrier to any potential transfer negotiations for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Best Player of the Year 2023.

In response to these financial constraints, Chelsea is reportedly exploring more cost-effective options, with Victor Boniface being considered a potentially cheaper alternative at €40 million.

Similarly, Manchester United may also need to pursue alternative options, particularly with the impending departure of Anthony Martial at the end of the season.

This departure further shows the need for reinforcement in the attacking department for the coming season, but the club’s financial limitations may necessitate exploring more affordable alternatives to Osimhen.