Arsenal have opened talks with Galatasaray over a potential transfer for Victor Osimhen, according to reports. The Nigeria international has been a key figure for the Turkish champions, netting 59 goals in 74 appearances across the last two seasons and helping the club secure consecutive league titles.
Osimhen's Premier League links resurface
Osimhen came close to a Premier League move two years ago when Chelsea held advanced talks to sign him from Napoli. However, the 27-year-old instead joined Galatasaray on an initial loan deal before the Turkish club made the move permanent for €75 million (£64.8m) last summer.
According to The Telegraph, Osimhen is now on Arsenal's radar, with the striker mentioned during discussions between the clubs over deals for Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri. Arsenal had initially prioritised Julian Alvarez as their top attacking target, but Atletico Madrid have refused to negotiate over the Argentine, even rejecting a €100m (£86.7m) bid from Barcelona this summer.
Galatasaray's interest in Arsenal players
Galatasaray have already submitted a €45m (£38.4m) bid for Martinelli, but reports in Brazil claim the 25-year-old has told Arsenal's hierarchy he is not prepared to move to the Turkish league. Meanwhile, Arsenal are understood to have offered Ethan Nwaneri for €40m (£34.1m), and Galatasaray are moving ahead with a deal for the 19-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille.
Osimhen was previously offered to Arsenal in 2024, but the Gunners turned down the move as they believed a deal with Napoli would have been too expensive. In an exclusive interview with Metro last year, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel revealed that Osimhen remained keen on joining a club capable of winning the Champions League.
Obi Mikel's insight on Osimhen's ambitions
'I think we want to see him in the Champions League so maybe Arsenal might be the destination. Maybe there is a door open there for Victor,' said Obi Mikel, who was involved in Chelsea's talks to sign Osimhen in 2024. 'I've had a few conversations with him. I won't say much about what those conversations were but he is working to make sure he ends up at a top, top European league where he can showcase his talent and compete to win the Champions League.'
Arsenal's pursuit of Osimhen comes as they look to strengthen their attacking options, with the club also linked to other targets. The Gunners have been active in the transfer market, with Mikel Arteta reportedly keen to add firepower to his squad ahead of the new season.
Galatasaray's willingness to negotiate over Osimhen could pave the way for a deal, though any transfer would likely depend on the Turkish club's demands and Arsenal's ability to meet them. The talks between the two clubs are ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.
