In the swirling vortex of football’s transfer market, few players command attention like Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker whose explosive performances have made him the subject of a fierce tug-of-war among Europe’s elite clubs. Amid the clamor, former Arsenal and Chelsea defender William Gallas has dropped a bombshell, urging the 26-year-old to snub his former club Arsenal in favor of Manchester United. Drawing a striking comparison to Cristiano Ronaldo, Gallas believes Osimhen’s relentless drive and goal-scoring prowess could ignite a revival at Old Trafford. “If Victor goes to United, he can be their Ronaldo,” Gallas declared, his words reverberating through the football world as the summer window looms.
Osimhen’s journey has been one of grit and glory. After leading Napoli to a historic Serie A title in 2022-23 with 26 goals, he found himself sidelined by manager Antonio Conte, resulting in a loan move to Galatasaray. In Turkey, he has been nothing short of sensational, netting 12 goals and four assists in 13 appearances, including a brace in a 3-2 thriller against Samsunspor. His performances, marked by aerial dominance and clinical finishing, have reignited interest from Premier League giants. Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all tabled offers, with Osimhen’s release clause dropping to £68 million in January, a bargain compared to his £93 million valuation last summer. “He’s a player who scares defenders,” Gallas said, emphasizing the intangibles that make Osimhen a game-changer.
Gallas’ endorsement of United over Arsenal is a curious twist, given his earlier calls for the Gunners to sign Osimhen to bolster their title chase. In November 2024, he told reporters, “I still don’t understand why Victor Osimhen is at Galatasaray. He needs to play in the Premier League and he can play at the top level at Arsenal.” Now, however, Gallas sees United as the ideal destination, citing their need for a proven No. 9 to address a faltering attack. Under Ruben Amorim, United have languished in 13th place, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee managing just three Premier League goals each. “United need experience, someone who knows how to score,” echoed Rio Ferdinand, who also championed Osimhen, urging his former club to secure the Nigerian’s signature.
The Ronaldo comparison is no casual remark. Gallas points to Osimhen’s work rate, physicality, and knack for decisive moments, traits that defined Ronaldo’s transformative stint at United. “Victor has that hunger, that ability to lift a team single-handedly,” Gallas said, envisioning Osimhen as the catalyst for United’s resurgence. At Arsenal, where Kai Havertz has been a solid but not prolific false nine, Osimhen’s arrival could disrupt Mikel Arteta’s system, which thrives on fluidity. United, by contrast, offer a stage where Osimhen’s directness could shine, especially in Amorim’s high-pressing 3-4-3 setup. “He will give them a hard time, and that will create opportunities for players around him,” Gallas added, foreseeing a ripple effect on United’s attack.
The race for Osimhen is far from straightforward. Chelsea, desperate for a reliable striker after Nicolas Jackson’s inconsistent campaign, remain favorites, with reports suggesting Osimhen prefers Stamford Bridge. Juventus also lurk, offering a return to Serie A, but Osimhen’s heart appears set on the Premier League. “To be honest, I don’t know,” he said earlier this year, reflecting on his future. “Nobody ever thought I would come to Galatasaray, despite how big they are.” His performances, including a Champions League hat-trick against Manchester City, have only heightened the stakes, with Galatasaray pleading to keep him beyond his loan.
For United, landing Osimhen would be a statement of intent. Their Europa League campaign offers a lifeline for silverware, but their league struggles demand a focal point. Osimhen’s £9 million-a-year wage demands and United’s need to offload players like Antony to fund the deal pose challenges, yet the prospect of a Ronaldo-esque talisman is tantalizing. Arsenal, meanwhile, may pivot to alternatives like Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, whom Gallas previously ruled out for the Gunners. As the transfer saga unfolds, Osimhen’s decision will shape the Premier League’s landscape, with Gallas’ bold vision placing him at the heart of United’s redemption arc.