Watford are hoping to ignite a bidding war between Premier League powerhouses Arsenal and Manchester United for their striker Odion Ighalo, according to reports in the British media on Tuesday.
Ighalo, who has been in superb form this season scoring 14 Premier League goals and two the FA Cup goals, has since attracted interest from Arsenal, United, Roma and La Liga title contenders Atletico Madrid.The Super Eagles player revealed in January that he would only leave Watford for Manchester United.
“I don’t think I will be moving but I’m not sure I could say no if United called,” The Sun had quoted the 26-year-old, who lost his father recently, as saying.
“They were my team growing up. I loved watching Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke.
“They were my idols and playing at Old Trafford has always been a dream.”
Under-fire Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has reportedly identified Ighalo as one of the strikers to replace French flop Olivier Giroud, who is one of the players said to be heading for the Emirates exit doors in the summer.
According to the Daily Star, Manchester United, who are desperate to strengthen their attack ahead of next season, have revived their interest in Ighalo.
Watford sports consultant Nicola Salerno hinted recently that the player could be sold in the summer. The 59-year-old Italian told TMW Radio, “Everything will depend on what offers we get for Ighalo.
“He is an extraordinary player who could interest a lot of clubs. He has done really well this season, scoring so many goals.
“Unfortunately in the second half of the season we had a dip, but he was decisive. I saw huge growth in the player, he knows how to score in every way. “He’s an extraordinary footballer and many teams could be interested.”