Victor Osimhen’s future has taken another turn amid growing links with Arsenal, with reports claiming that a bid in excess of £60m could be enough to persuade Galatasaray to part with the Nigeria striker.
Arsenal have maintained an interest in Osimhen and could now consider making a formal approach as Mikel Arteta looks to add further quality and depth to the squad before the transfer window closes.
According to reports attributed to Football Insider, Galatasaray would be prepared to consider a deal above the £60m mark for the 27-year-old, although any move would be separate from a potential transfer involving Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli.
The Gunners’ interest in Osimhen is not entirely new. Arsenal reportedly enquired about the striker’s availability during discussions with Galatasaray over a possible deal for Martinelli, but the two situations are understood to be separate.
A move for Osimhen would therefore require Arsenal to negotiate independently with the Turkish champions.
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Football Insider’s reported valuation could put the striker within reach of Arsenal, although a deal would still represent a significant financial commitment given his salary and status at Galatasaray.
Osimhen joined the Istanbul club on a permanent basis last summer after his previous spell on loan and made an immediate impact, recording 28 goal contributions in 33 appearances during his first season as a permanent player.
Osimhen’s wages another factor
Beyond the potential transfer fee, Arsenal would also have to contend with Osimhen’s current salary.
The striker is reportedly earning more than £300,000 per week at Galatasaray, meaning a move to north London could require a major financial package.
Such a deal would potentially make Osimhen Arsenal’s highest paid player.
However, the attraction is obvious. The Nigeria international has established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards and would add another high jevel option to Arteta’s attacking unit.
Arteta has already indicated that Arsenal remains active in the market as they look to strengthen their squad.
“There is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that,” Arteta said.
“We are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market is that it doesn’t just depend on you. We are very clear on that.”
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Osimhen, meanwhile, has done little to shut down speculation surrounding his future.
After scoring twice in Galatasaray’s Super Lig opener on Friday, the striker acknowledged the constant transfer talk but insisted that his immediate focus remained on his football.
“There are always rumours in transfer seasons. I will take care of my business. I am focused on my job, then we will see and think further.”
That leaves the door open to further speculation as Arsenal weigh whether to turn their long-standing interest into a concrete offer.
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With a reported £60m-plus potentially enough to begin serious negotiations, Osimhen’s future could become one of the defining transfer stories of the final weeks of the summer window.
