Five reasons Osimhen may prefer move to Manchester United over Arsenal this summer

 
Allnigeriasoccer.com's Izuchukwu Michael in this feature looks at why a move to Manchester United will be a likelier option for the Nigerian striker.


1. Arteta's Inability To Handle Big Egos

One noticeable factor in the managerial career of Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta as the number one in the dugout is his zero tolerance to big egos from supposedly superstars and/or big names in the club.

In the January transfer window, the Gunners let go of star player and deposed captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang over his overstayed leave of absence in order to visit his sick mother.

Arteta revealed that it was not the first time the Gabon international would be doing so and was exiled from the first team.

Aubameyang's situation culminated in him losing the captain's armband and he was eventually sold to Barcelona where he has now become a mainstay with nine goals in 12 La Liga appearances.

Auba has only played 791 minutes of football for the Catalans in the Spanish top-flight while his former club, Arsenal, are in dire need of regard strikers.

The Gunners are now linked with several strikers for next season when Aubameyang could have been the difference in the three consecutive defeats to Crystal Palace, Brighton & Hoves and Southampton.

Arteta also had differences with France midfielder of Moroccan descent Mattéo Guendouzi who has moved on to Marseille and is unarguably one of the brightest players at the French side.

The other player is Lucas Torreira who moved to Atlético Madrid before returning to Italy to team up with Fiorentina.

These are players with big European and World Cup experiences that could have been invaluable to the club when they play with the likes of Alexandre Lacazette, Thomas Partey, Ben White, Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Kieran Tierney.

2. Osimhen’s Disciplinary Concern

The Nigerian has scored 13 Serie A goals in 24 matches but his five yellow cards and one red received thus far for a striker should be a worry.


Hopefully Osimhen has learned from that incident and Ikpeba has let the past belong where it should be.


3. United more likely to meet Napoli's valuation

Arsenal are known to be shrewd negotiators and are not overly big spenders during the transfer window except on few occasions.

The Gunners spent big on Nicolas Pepe, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Mesut Ozil but are not expected to break the bank every transfer window on players.

There are indications that they are trying to prise Osimhen away from Napoli but reluctant to pay the more than 100 million euros valuation on him.

Conversely, Manchester United will not be playing Champions League next season and will almost be desperate for a quality striker this summer.


4. Arteta's Close ties to Gabriel Jesus, Guardiola

According to some transfer stories making the rounds, Arsenal have reached an agreement with the representatives of Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus for a move to Arsenal.

The fee is said to be £42m and there is a willingness from the camp of the Brazilian to make the deal work with a Brazilian contingent at the Emirates consisting of Gabriel Magalhães and Gabriel Martinelli including Director of Football, Edu growing strong.

Jesus worked with Arteta at Manchester City when the Spaniards was assistant coach to Guardiola so the knowledge of how each man thinks and philosophy will make it a good working relationship in prospect.


5. Odion Ighalo's influence

The last reason why Osimhen going to United may work out at the expense of a deal with Arsenal is the influence of former Red Devils and Nigeria international Odion Ighalo who was with the team for a cumulative 12-month period.

Ighalo scored a few fantastic goals for United and was a fan favourite for his love and commitment to the club he supported from childhood.

Osimhen is also good friends with Ighalo and his advise to the younger striker could work a trick in United's favour.