For the past few days, reports in the Italian media have discussed a possible deal between Manchester United and Napoli involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Victor Osimhen.
It was suggested the Red Devils will pay in excess of €100m to the Serie A side for the striker and let their star join them on a loan deal, while paying the majority of his salary.
Last week, Osimhen’s agent confirmed there has been no talks with Manchester United for the Nigeria international.
Mendes has repeatedly insisted to the Naples club that the Premier League side will soon make an offer for the former Lille man, according to the claims. His exit can open the door for Ronaldo to move to Napoli.
Il Mattino highlight the super-agent’s efforts, but make it clear Napoli have not received any offer from Manchester United so far. Apart from the promises made by Mendes, there isn’t anything concrete.
Having invested €100m on Antony, Erik ten Hag’s side don’t seem willing to make another big investment.
Therefore, Mendes has come up with a last-minute plan to take his client to Napoli on a dry loan deal, with United paying 80% of his salary and without including the Nigerian. This would mean the Italian club will pay €6-7m to the Portugal international.
When Mendes approached the Serie A side in July, he was told they could only consider Ronaldo’s arrival if Osimhen were to be sold for a fee in excess of €100m. This possibility is close to being ruled out, especially with United not even making contact to sign him.
On Monday, the Portuguese agent was in contact with the English side ‘for a long time’, also because Antony’s arrival has ‘surprised and thwarted his plans’. The report states the relationship between Mendes and Manchester United has ‘deteriorated in recent hours’.
Il Mattino state: ‘In short, now there is only one road left: Osimhen who remains and CR7 who arrives on loan for 10 months. De Laurentiis, dealing with the production of the second series of Vita da Carlo, has direct contacts with Mendes. In any case, Giuntoli watches in silence. But seen through the eyes of Napoli, Osimhen’s stay excludes, in fact, the arrival of Ronaldo.’
