Arsenal should take advantage of Victor Osimhen transfer opportunity after latest twist

There is no secret about Arsenal’s desire to sign a new out-and-out striker in the current transfer window.

After failing to strengthen the position, despite their best efforts, during January, injuries to both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz left the Gunners without a natural centre-forward for the last few months of the campaign. It has been argued that having a number nine may have helped the team to close the gap and put more pressure on Liverpool at the top of the table in the closing weeks of the season.

It’s something that Arsenal will look to try and put right this time around. There have been strong links to Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, although at the time of writing, there has been no breakthrough in terms of an agreement for either.

If that continues to be the case, then Arsenal may have to turn to other targets as they look to avoid a repeat of the January window. A few names have been mentioned, but one name who doesn’t seem to be liked by Arsenal, despite constant links with a move to the Premier League, is Victor Osimhen.

The Napoli striker is expected to leave the Italian club this summer after spending the 2024/25 campaign on loan with Turkish side Galatasaray. He scored 37 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions throughout the season.

He is due to return to Napoli but is available for transfer this summer. He has reportedly already turned down a chance to move to Saudi Arabia.

Osimhen has a reported €75 million (£64.3m) release clause in his contract, but reports in Turkey from Fotomac claim that it’s only valid until July 15. If a sale has not been made by then, Napoli could potentially reduce their asking fee.

It’s an opportunity that Arsenal should at least look at in their search for a striker. Osimhen’s goalscoring record has been impressive wherever he has played, and it’s goals that Arsenal ultimately want to add to their squad for the new season. He has shown that he will score if you supply him with chances.

Given the asking prices for Sesko (around £60m) and Gyokeres (around £68m), if Arsenal can get Osimhen for less than that, then he will be value for money.

One concern may be his wages - it’s something that Arsenal will have to consider and try and negotiate if they do make the move. Even if they do sign him for a cheaper price, wages could make the deal more expensive than Sesko or Gyokeres.

However, if they can convince the player to reduce his salary expectations, then it’s a deal that the club should pursue. Osimhen will bring just what is needed to the Emirates Stadium, but a deal will have to be right.

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