Galatasaray have reportedly rejected an ambitious offer from Arsenal that would have seen Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres move to Istanbul alongside €30 million in exchange for Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen.
According to Turkish journalist Ömer Faruk Özcan, senior Arsenal officials travelled to Istanbul in an attempt to persuade the Turkish champions to part with their star striker.
However, Galatasaray are said to have immediately rejected the proposal, insisting Osimhen is not available for transfer unless an offer matches their valuation.
The Turkish giants reportedly value the Super Eagles striker at between €130 million and €150 million, reflecting both his importance to the club and his outstanding performances since arriving in Istanbul.
Osimhen has established himself as one of Galatasaray’s most influential players, scoring 59 goals and providing 16 assists in 74 appearances across all competitions.
His goals have played a key role in helping the club secure back-to-back Turkish Super Lig titles while strengthening their status as regular UEFA Champions League contenders.
Arsenal’s admiration for the 27-year-old is long-standing. Sporting director Andrea Berta is understood to have monitored Osimhen on several occasions, and the latest approach comes as questions continue to surround Gyökeres’ adaptation following his move from Sporting CP.
Despite the reported interest, Galatasaray remain in a strong negotiating position.
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The Nigerian international signed a four-year permanent contract until June 2029 in July 2025 after the Turkish champions completed a €75 million deal with Napoli.
The agreement reportedly made Osimhen the highest paid player in Turkish football through a lucrative package that includes salary, loyalty bonuses and image rights payments.
The deal also contains a 10 per cent sell-on clause in Napoli’s favour, while Galatasaray are prevented from selling the striker to another Italian club before 2027 without incurring a significant financial penalty.
Although Osimhen continues to attract interest from several Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, there is no indication the Nigerian is pushing for an exit.
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Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also indicated that the situation remains calm, with Osimhen understood to be happy at Galatasaray and only likely to consider a move should an exceptional offer arrive from England.
Galatasaray’s stance remains unchanged, their talisman is not for sale at any bargain price, and any club hoping to sign Osimhen will have to present an offer that reflects his status as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.
