Manchester United won’t be able to offer European football to any of their attacking targets but Rio Ferdinand still believes there’s an outstanding candidate waiting for an offer
Former Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand believes Victor Osimhen is waiting for the club to move to the front of the queue for his signing. The Nigeria international spent last season on loan at Galatasaray, with parent club Napoli thought to be ready to cash in this summer.
Ferdinand’s claims come amid suggestions fellow target Viktor Gyokeres would favour a move to a club in the Champions League. Gyokeres starred under United head coach Ruben Amorim at Sporting CP, where he still plays his club football, but a reunion might not be entirely straightforward.
Gyokeres was also high on Arsenal’s shopping list, with the Gunners deciding between him and Benjamin Sesko. Now, according to reports in Germany, Mikel Arteta’s side have reached an agreement with Sesko – though they are yet to meet RB Leipzig’s valuation of the Slovenian.
United have already bolstered their attacking ranks this summer with a £62.5million swoop for Wolves‘ Matheus Cunha. Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo has also been linked, despite United – unlike fellow suitors Spurs – being unable to offer Champions League football.
Osimhen, who scored 37 goals in 41 Galatasaray games last season, has also been of interest to Saudi club Al Hilal. The 26-year-old is believed to favour a move to a European club, though, and Ferdinand has made his position clear.
READ MORE: Transfer news LIVE: Gyokeres update, Arsenal striker ‘agreement’, eye-watering Wirtz paymentREAD MORE: Jadon Sancho ‘verbally agrees’ Man Utd exit but Jack Grealish issue could ruin transfer
“No.9, they already know who I want,” Ferdinand said on Rio Ferdinand Presents when discussing United’s options. “The comments know, the people know who I want, who I would go and get: Osimhen!
“It looks like he’s turned down Al Hilal… he must be waiting for Man United. I don’t know if Man United are going to come. That’s the problem.”
Man United’s 2025/26 home kit
Ferdinand suggested he’d be happy with Gyokeres at Old Trafford if Osimhen doesn’t arrive. Juventus have also been linked with the Swede, who fired Sporting to the Primeira Liga title last season, but Arsenal are believed to have put an approach of their own on ice.
Arsenal‘s pursuit of Sesko comes after Leipzig failed to qualify for the Champions League, leaving them prepared to cash in for the right price. That price is still north of £60m, though, and Arsenal aren’t yet on the same page as the selling club.
Sesko was heavily linked with Arsenal last summer, and his decision to sign a new contract in 2024 hasn’t slowed down the London club’s pursuit. If they miss out on the former Red Bull Salzburg man, though, they could yet return for another former target in Aston Villa and England star Ollie Watkins.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
