Italian journalist dismisses Osimhen – Zirkzee swap

Respected Italian journalist Paolo del Genio has shared insights regarding the rumoured swap deal between Victor Osimhen and Manchester United striker Joshua Zirkzee.

Reports had suggested that Manchester United were eyeing Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray, as part of a move to bolster their attacking options, with Zirkzee being offered as part of the deal.

Osimhen has been in scintillating form since his move to Galatasaray, netting nine goals and providing five assists in just 12 appearances across all competitions.

In contrast, Zirkzee has struggled to find his footing at Manchester United following his summer transfer from Bologna, managing three goals and two assists in 19 outings.

The speculation, which surfaced in November, claimed that United were willing to include the 23-year-old Zirkzee plus cash to tempt Napoli into selling Osimhen, who is still technically contracted to the Serie A club.

Del Genio, however, dismissed these reports as baseless while speaking during his television appearance on Radio Kiss Kiss via Area Napoli.

“Napoli will take Zirkzee in an exchange with Victor Osimhen? I get out of balance and say that this is nothing but a market bale. There is no possibility, at the moment, that the striker now at Manchester United can land at the court of Mr Antonio Conte in the possible negotiation between the Red Devils and the Neapolitans for Victor Osimhen (now on a dry loan to Galatasaray),” Del Genio said.

Meanwhile, Osimhen is enjoying his loan spell at Galatasaray, scoring nine goals and four assists in 12 games across the Turkish Super Lig and the Europa League.

The Turkish giants are also said to be sourcing for funds to make the Nigerian striker’s move permanent amid interests from Chelsea and other clubs.

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