Former French international and ex-Arsenal defender, William Gallas, has urged Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, to favour a move to Manchester United over Arsenal as speculation surrounding the Napoli forward’s next destination continues to dominate the European transfer scene.
Osimhen, currently on a short loan spell with Turkish giants Galatasaray from Napoli, has continued to attract interest from several top Premier League clubs following another impressive season in Europe. The Nigerian forward, who boasts 22 goals in the Turkish Super Lig this campaign, has emerged as a key figure in Galatasaray’s push for the league title, while also adding to his overall tally with 31 goals and eight assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.
While several English clubs are believed to be in pursuit of the 25-year-old forward, Gallas, in a recent chat with Prime Casino, strongly advocated for Osimhen to consider Manchester United ahead of other suitors, including his former side, Arsenal. The retired Frenchman argued that the Red Devils would provide the Nigerian with the kind of patient environment needed to thrive and adapt to the physical demands of English football.
Gallas said, “We’ve seen it many times with foreign players – they don’t always settle instantly in the Premier League. Even Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t the Ronaldo we know today during his first season at Manchester United. It was in his second year that we began to see the signs of what he could become. Osimhen may also need that adjustment period.”
In drawing comparisons between both English clubs, Gallas noted that Arsenal, due to their current ambition of winning the Premier League as soon as possible, would demand instant impact from a striker like Osimhen—something that may not align with the time needed for him to settle into the league.
“If Arsenal are going for the title next season, they’ll need a striker who can deliver from day one. There’s no time for a slow start. On the other hand, Manchester United are still rebuilding. They’re targeting top-four finishes and may afford Osimhen the time to adapt gradually,” he added.
However, despite reports suggesting that Manchester United had made initial contact with Osimhen’s representatives and were considering triggering his €75 million release clause, recent developments indicate that the deal might not proceed as hoped. Fresh reports from sources close to the negotiations claim that United have cooled their interest over concerns surrounding the striker’s wage expectations, which are reportedly set at £300,000 per week—a figure the club is unwilling to accommodate under its new wage structure.
Meanwhile, Italian side Juventus is also believed to be keeping tabs on Osimhen’s situation, while Chelsea and Arsenal remain in the mix as both London clubs look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the summer transfer window.
For now, the Nigerian star continues to focus on finishing the season strong with Galatasaray, where he leads the league’s scoring chart and is on course to help the Turkish club secure a domestic double. As the transfer window nears, the football world awaits the next chapter in Osimhen’s career, with the Premier League looking increasingly likely to be his next destination.
