Chelsea U-turn hands Man Utd boost in £100m striker chase; Pochettino adopts questionable transfer stance

Manchester United have been given a major boost in the race for Napoli goal machine Victor Osimhen, according to reports.  

Signing a striker has shockingly ‘moved down Chelsea’s list of transfer priorities,’ leaving the Red Devil’s the favourites to sign the 24-year-old.

However, Man Utd will still need to stump up a hefty fee for Osimhen. Indeed, Napoli are expected to demand at least £100m for the striker’s services this summer.

This season, Osimhen has scored an outstanding 25 goals in 30 Serie A appearances, along with making five assists. This gives him an average of one goal contribution per match.

As a result, the Nigeria international has caught the attention of several top European clubs. For instance, as reported by TEAMtalk, Man Utd and Chelsea were thought to be leading the race.

But, with Mauricio Pochettino now prioritising alternative transfer targets, this leaves Man Utd as the firm favourites to sign Osimhen. But, only if they are willing to meet his £100m price tag.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag gives intriguing Mason Greenwood update; highlights Man Utd need for Rashford support

Chelsea dramatically switch transfer stance

According to the Guardian, Chelsea are adopting a ‘relaxed approach to their striker hunt,’ with a goalkeeper and a midfielder now ‘taking priority.’

This is despite the Blues scoring a crippling lack of goals in 2022/23. In the Premier League, the London club scored just 38 goals in 38 matches – by far the least of any ‘big six’ club.

Their lack of a proven goal scorer led to Chelsea finishing in 12th place, making the campaign their worst since 1994.

However, despite this, the Blues’ hierarchy reportedly feel that the ‘attackers already at the club can step their game up.’

If true, this will put huge pressure on the likes of  Mykhaylo Mudryk and Raheem Sterling next term. Romelu Lukaku could also make an impact after his loan at Inter Milan has come to an end.

While this is questionable news for Chelsea fans – it’s great news for Man Utd supporters. Erik ten Hag has made a new striker one of his transfer priorities, as he looks for support for Marcus Rashford.

The Red Devils have never really replaced Cristiano Ronaldo since his departure back in November. Recently, they have been linked with moves for the likes of Harry Kane and Randal Kolo Muani.

Although, Osimhen has been considered as one of Man Utd’s primary targets for a while. So, it wouldn’t be a major surprise to see Ten Hag sanction a big money move for him.

If he can have a similar impact on the Red Devils as the one he has had at Napoli this season, he could turn them into serial title contenders once again.

READ MORE: Chelsea poised to launch ‘very high offer’ for key target; Arsenal icon says Blues fans ‘should be excited’