Manchester United have shortlisted Victor Osimhen as one of their top striker targets for the summer transfer window, as they aim to strengthen their attack

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has made it onto Manchester United’s four-man striker shortlist as the Premier League club looks to reinforce its attacking options ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils have faced challenges in the final third this season, with their current forwards, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Højlund, struggling to find consistent form.

Zirkzee, who joined from Bologna last summer, has scored just six goals in 44 competitive appearances, while Højlund has managed only eight goals in 39 matches across all competitions.

This underperformance has contributed to Manchester United’s difficulties in front of goal, with the team having netted just 37 goals in 29 Premier League matches. As a result, they are trailing behind 13 other teams in terms of goals scored.

In response to these struggles, Manchester United is actively seeking a solution, and Osimhen is one of the players under consideration, according to journalist Florian Plettenburg.

Currently on loan at Turkish giants Galatasaray, Osimhen has been in exceptional form, scoring 26 goals in 30 appearances, including 20 goals in 22 league matches, making him the Super Lig’s top scorer.

Osimhen is expected to return to Napoli in the summer, but with his strong performances, a permanent move to a top European club appears likely.

Reports suggest that Osimhen is eager to move to Old Trafford despite interest from other clubs, including French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

In addition to Osimhen, Manchester United are also reportedly monitoring Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres, who has impressed with his goalscoring abilities, and two Bundesliga forwards: RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško, who has netted 17 goals and provided six assists in 36 appearances, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitéké, who has scored 19 goals and provided eight assists in 38 games.

Meanwhile, Napoli is considering a potential swap, with reports from *La Gazzetta dello Sport* suggesting that they are eyeing Højlund as a possible replacement for Osimhen.

Currently on international duty with the Super Eagles, Osimhen is preparing for Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Reflecting on the importance of the upcoming games, Osimhen stated, “It’s a dream of every footballer to play at the World Cup and with our situation in the group, I am desperate, like other players, to make it to the 2026 tournament.”

Ademola Lookman is currently the highest-rated player in Serie A, surpassing major stars with his remarkable consistency and performance

Ademola Lookman, the Nigeria and Atalanta forward, has emerged as the highest-rated player in Italy’s Serie A for the 2024 season, surpassing some of the league’s biggest stars.

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Lookman’s exceptional consistency and performances have earned him a top rating of 7.37 on the WhoScored performance charts, after 29 rounds of matches in Italy’s top-flight football league.

His remarkable form has placed him ahead of renowned players like Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martínez, who have been in excellent form this season.

The 25-year-old’s statistics are a testament to his stellar performances, with 13 goals and 5 assists in just 23 appearances. Averaging 2.1 key passes per game, Lookman is creating more chances than any other player in the league.

Lookman’s current rating of 7.37 places him in front of Thuram, who is ranked second with a rating of 7.29. Thuram has been a key figure for Inter Milan this season, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists.

Meanwhile, Lautaro Martínez, another of Inter Milan’s attacking stars, shares third place with Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui, both having earned ratings of 7.22.

The top five is rounded out by Inter Milan’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu, with a rating of 7.19, and Como’s Nico Paz (7.18). Lazio’s Mattia Zaccagni, AS Roma’s Alexis Saelemaekers, AC Milan’s Rafael Leão, and Fiorentina’s Moise Kean complete the top 10, further emphasising Lookman’s extraordinary achievement.

Since his arrival at Atalanta from RB Leipzig in August 2022, Lookman has consistently proven himself as one of Serie A’s most reliable players. In just 85 league appearances, he has netted 37 goals and provided 18 assists, demonstrating his importance to his club.

While Lookman’s personal accolades have been impressive, his time in Italy has also been marked by team success. He played a pivotal role in Atalanta’s historic UEFA Europa League triumph, helping the club secure its first-ever European title in the 2023 season.

Additionally, he finished as a runner-up in the Coppa Italia early in his Atalanta tenure, further cementing his place as one of Serie A’s standout performers.

Lookman’s remarkable form hasn’t been confined to his club performances alone. On the international stage, the Nigerian forward played an instrumental role in Nigeria’s successful run to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.

His impressive contributions led to him being awarded the prestigious CAF African Player of the Year award, a significant achievement in his career.

This accolade made Lookman the sixth Nigerian to win the award, and notably, the first to claim it after switching national allegiances from England to Nigeria.

The UEFA Champions League quarter-finals 2025 are confirmed, with thrilling matchups including PSG vs Aston Villa and Real Madrid vs Arsenal

The full line-up for the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals has been confirmed after the completion of the Round of 16 ties on Wednesday night. Fans across Europe are eagerly awaiting the thrilling clashes that will determine who advances to the semi-finals in April.

**Aston Villa vs Paris Saint-Germain**

Unai Emery’s Aston Villa will face Paris Saint-Germain in the first quarter-final fixture. Villa secured their spot in the last eight with a commanding 3-0 win over Club Brugge, thanks to a brace from Marco Asensio and a goal from Ian Maatsen.

On the other hand, PSG progressed after a dramatic 4-1 penalty shoot-out victory over Liverpool. The tie had ended 1-1 on aggregate, but PSG’s composure under pressure ensured their advancement.

**Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich**

In the second quarter-final, Inter Milan will meet Bayern Munich. Vincent Kompany’s Inter knocked out Feyenoord with a 2-1 win at the San Siro, while Bayern saw off Bundesliga rivals Bayer Leverkusen in style.

After a 3-0 victory in the first leg at the Allianz Arena, Bayern sealed a dominant 5-0 aggregate win with goals from Harry Kane and Alphonso Davies.

**Barcelona vs Borussia Dortmund**

In what promises to be an intense battle, Barcelona will take on Borussia Dortmund. Barcelona progressed after defeating Benfica, while Dortmund dispatched Lille to secure their place in the quarters. With both teams boasting exceptional squads, this tie is expected to deliver high drama.

**Arsenal vs Real Madrid**

In the final quarter-final tie, Arsenal will face Real Madrid. Arsenal advanced after a hard-fought victory, while Madrid required penalties to eliminate holders Atletico Madrid.

The match between these two giants of European football is set to be one of the most highly anticipated clashes of the quarter-finals.

The quarter-final ties will take place on April 8 and 9, with teams eager to secure their place in the semi-finals. Football fans worldwide will be keeping a close eye on these matchups as they unfold.

**Full Quarter-Final Fixtures:**

– Paris Saint-Germain vs Aston Villa
– Real Madrid vs Arsenal
– Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich
– Borussia Dortmund vs Barcelona