Arsenal turn to Victor Osimhen after Atletico block Alvarez move

Arsenal have opened discussions with Galatasaray over a potential move for Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian striker emerging as a serious summer target for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Galatasaray striker Osimhen lands on Arsenal radar after €100m Alvarez rejection

The Gunners have reportedly raised Osimhen’s name during ongoing negotiations with the Turkish champions, which also involve the possible transfers of Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri in the opposite direction.

Galatasaray have already submitted a €45 million bid for Martinelli, though the Brazilian winger has informed Arsenal that he does not wish to move to Turkey.

Meanwhile, Arsenal have offered teenage sensation Nwaneri for €40 million, and Galatasaray are now progressing with a deal to sign the 19-year-old.

Osimhen’s journey to this point has been remarkable. Two years ago, Chelsea held advanced talks to pry the striker away from Napoli, but that move never materialised.

Instead, the Nigeria international joined Galatasaray on loan before the Turkish club exercised a permanent purchase option for €75 million last summer.

Since then, Osimhen has delivered consistently, netting 59 goals in 74 appearances across two title-winning campaigns.

The 26-year-old fits Arsenal’s long-standing need for a prolific centre-forward. The Gunners initially identified Julian Alvarez as their primary attacking reinforcement, but Atletico Madrid refuse to negotiate his exit, even turning down a €100 million offer from Barcelona.

That deadlock has forced Arsenal to explore alternatives, and Osimhen now features prominently on their shortlist.

Interestingly, Osimhen was previously offered to Arsenal in 2024, but the club rejected the opportunity at the time, believing that negotiating with Napoli would prove financially prohibitive.

However, the landscape has shifted, and Galatasaray’s willingness to do business changes the equation entirely.

Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, who participated in Chelsea’s pursuit of Osimhen two years ago, revealed that the striker has always coveted Champions League glory.

In an exclusive interview last year, Mikel stated: “I think we want to see him in the Champions League so maybe Arsenal might be the destination.

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.”

With Arsenal eager to bolster their attack and Galatasaray open to negotiations, this transfer saga appears poised to gather significant momentum in the coming days.