Paper reports reveal that Arsenal and Chelsea have been informed of the valuation for Victor Osimhen, while Erik ten Hag’s position at Manchester United remains secure for the time being.
Arsenal and Chelsea have received a straightforward message regarding the requirements for acquiring Victor Osimhen from Napoli. The talented Nigerian forward is on the verge of extending his contract with the Italian club, which will incorporate a buyout clause amounting to £112m (€130m). As per Football.London, both London-based teams must match this valuation in order to secure the 24-year-old’s talents. Osimhen showcased his prowess during an outstanding season with Napoli, netting an impressive 26 goals in 32 matches and earning the prestigious Golden Boot award. Several prominent European clubs, such as Arsenal and Chelsea, have been associated with him indicating potential interest.
As of now, Erik ten Hag’s role as Manchester United manager remains secure, but there may be concerns about his future in the long run. According to The Telegraph, United’s elimination from the Champions League and their disappointing performance this season have put Ten Hag’s position at risk. Nevertheless, there are presently no intentions to dismiss him. The article implies that his position could become more precarious once Sir Jim Ratcliffe assumes control of football operations. The Ineos Sport group led by Ratcliffe has a track record of frequently replacing managers at the French club Nice, which they hold ownership of. The current struggles and problems in recruiting players at Manchester United are reportedly causing worry. However, the club’s top management remains optimistic about the possibility of qualifying for the Champions League, as they are just six points away from the top four positions.
According to information obtained by The Athletic, Raphael Varane may depart Manchester United as a free agent during the summer. It has been discovered that Varane’s contract expires one year earlier than previously believed, granting him the opportunity to engage in discussions with foreign clubs starting from January. In 2021, a French defender made the move to Manchester United from Real Madrid. Initially, it was thought that he had committed to a contract until 2025. However, upon closer examination, it was discovered that his agreement includes an optional final year. This provision raises the chances of him leaving Old Trafford. To reduce expenses, United might opt to release Varane without any transfer fee, as his salary stands at approximately £13m. The specific conditions of the optional year remain uncertain, but typically it hinges on either his playing time or the club’s evaluation of his performances. The premature elimination of Manchester United from European competition may have financial consequences for the club. According to The Daily Mail, United’s inability to advance in the Champions League implies that they will not participate in the Europa League during the latter half of the season. The club had anticipated reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League, which would have generated an extra £28m in revenue. This shortfall could potentially affect their activities during the January transfer window, leading to the possibility of selling players before acquiring new ones. The extent of their involvement in the transfer window is uncertain, although they are considering loaning out Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho.