Arsenal remain hopeful of signing Victor Osimhen but have told the Galatasaray striker he must lower his salary demands, according to reports. The club is unwilling to match the Nigeria international's current contract, which is worth more than €20 million (£17.1m) per year.
Arsenal's stance on Osimhen's wages
Mikel Arteta is looking to add another attacking player before the summer transfer window closes. Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez remains high on Arsenal's shortlist, but Atletico are refusing to sell the Argentina international, who does not want to return to the Premier League and favours a move to Barcelona instead.
According to FootMercato, Arsenal have held talks over a possible deal to sign Osimhen, a striker said to be 'admired' by Arteta. However, the report claims Arsenal 'have no intention of making an unreasonable offer to Osimhen' and are not prepared to match his current deal with Galatasaray.
Osimhen's decision and Galatasaray's stance
Osimhen must now decide whether to agree to a lower proposal from Arsenal or remain with Galatasaray. Earlier this month, Galatasaray rejected a €130m (£111m) bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for the striker.
Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek is understood to be adamant that Osimhen will not be sold under any circumstances this summer. Al-Hilal have now dropped their pursuit of Osimhen and are in talks with Aston Villa to sign Ollie Watkins, but their latest bid of £45m has been rejected.
Osimhen's form and comments
Osimhen continued his excellent start to the season on Friday night, scoring twice in Galatasaray's 4-0 win away to Erzurumspor. The 27-year-old also struck twice in Galatasaray's 2-2 draw at home to newly promoted Corum FK in the opening game of the new Super Lig season last Friday.
Speaking after that match, in which he offered an apology to Galatasaray's ultras, Osimhen refused to rule out the prospect of moving clubs before the end of the window. 'There are always rumours during the transfer windows,' Osimhen said. 'I'll focus on my job. I'm focused on my work. We'll see and think about what comes next then.'
