Osimhen Reportedly Says Yes to Manchester United as Seven Players Prepare to Exit – Mbeumo Announcement Expected SoonManchester United’s summer transfer activity has remained relatively quiet compared to some of their Premier League rivals, with only one major signing completed so far.
In contrast, Chelsea have already been highly active in the market, securing four key additions to bolster their attacking options.
However, the transfer window could soon see the two clubs engage in direct negotiations over a potential deal involving French international Christopher Nkunku.
Manchester United had shown serious interest in Nkunku during the January transfer window, but a move failed to materialize at the time.
Chelsea were firm in their valuation then, demanding no less than £70 million for the forward.Now, the landscape appears to have shifted dramatically.
According to a recent report by The Mirror, Chelsea are now prepared to sell Nkunku for just £35 million—half of their original asking price.
This development signals that the Stamford Bridge outfit are open to trimming their squad, particularly in the attacking department where they have made several recent reinforcements.
Nkunku endured a challenging 2023–24 season under new head coach Enzo Maresca. Injuries limited his availability, and when fit, he struggled to break into the starting lineup consistently.
In total, he made just nine starts in the Premier League. His lack of game time was attributed not only to physical setbacks but also to Maresca’s tactical preferences.
Chelsea’s recent acquisitions, including exciting young attackers Estevao and Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, have further pushed Nkunku down the pecking order.
As a result, the club is now reportedly ready to move him on at a cut-price deal.Despite his underwhelming season, Nkunku remains a player of considerable talent and pedigree.
At 27, he still has several peak years ahead of him. His performances in the Bundesliga for RB Leipzig earned him widespread acclaim, where he claimed the Golden Boot and was among the top performers across multiple seasons.
His versatility — being able to play as an attacking midfielder, winger, second striker, or even in a false-nine role — could make him an extremely valuable asset for Manchester United.
For a club that often struggled with attacking cohesion and creativity last season, a signing like Nkunku might provide the kind of spark they have been lacking.
United’s current attacking options — including Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, and Antony — all faced periods of inconsistency, and Erik ten Hag may welcome a fresh option with the technical quality and vision that Nkunku offers.
Moreover, the reported £35 million fee would represent good value in today’s market, especially for a player with top-level experience and international pedigree.
However, the deal is not without risks. Nkunku’s recent history of injuries, particularly involving his knee and hamstring, has cast some doubt over his long-term fitness and durability.
His inability to recapture his sharpness after returning from injury is a concern, and Manchester United will likely conduct a thorough medical assessment before proceeding with any formal negotiations.
Some critics might point to previous cases — such as Donny van de Beek — where talented players arrived with great promise only to struggle due to fitness or adaptation issues.
Still, if Nkunku can remain fit and integrate well into the squad, he could offer exactly the kind of creativity and attacking flair United have been missing.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are also preparing for significant outgoings, with as many as seven players expected to leave the club in the coming weeks.
These departures could free up space in the wage bill and provide further resources for incoming transfers.
In other developments, an official announcement regarding Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo is said to be imminent.
Mbeumo has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, and sources close to the situation suggest that United are closing in on finalizing the deal.
Finally, in a major breakthrough that could define United’s transfer window, reports claim that Victor Osimhen has agreed to join the club.
The Nigerian striker has been a long-term target and would represent a statement signing to lead the attack.
With several moving pieces in play, it’s shaping up to be a pivotal few weeks for Manchester United.