Former France defender William Gallas has named Manchester United as the ideal destination for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen—surprisingly overlooking his former club, Arsenal.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, remains one of the most in-demand forwards in Europe and has been consistently linked with a move to the Premier League since last summer.
The Nigerian star is expected to leave Napoli permanently in the next transfer window, but questions about his next club continue to swirl. According to Italian outlet Tuttosport, Manchester United have reportedly reached a provisional agreement with Osimhen’s camp, signalling their readiness to activate his €75m release clause. Juventus are also said to be in the running, with Chelsea and Arsenal expected to enter the market for a striker this summer.
In an interview with Prime Casino, Gallas shared his views on how Osimhen might adapt to English football. He argued that United, compared to Arsenal, would offer a more forgiving environment for the striker to settle in.
“We’ve seen foreign players before—it’s often difficult for them in the first season,” Gallas said. “The second season they step up. Even Cristiano Ronaldo, in his first season, wasn’t the Ronaldo we know now, but by the second season, there were signs.
“It all depends on the club. Arsenal need results immediately—they have to win the Premier League next year, so they need a player who can deliver instantly. They don’t have time. But Manchester United, from where they are now, don’t necessarily have to win the league right away. They’re aiming for top four or five, so they might give Osimhen the time he needs.”
However, other reports suggest the move to United might not be so straightforward. Despite preliminary discussions, it’s believed the club has cooled their interest due to Osimhen’s wage demands—reportedly £300,000 per week—which would exceed United’s new wage structure.
Osimhen is currently leading the scoring charts in the Turkish Super Lig with 22 goals, helping Galatasaray close in on the league title and a potential domestic double. So far this season, he has registered 32 goals and 8 assists in 36 matches across all competitions.
