Transfer: Arsenal Ignore Galatasaray’s Warning, Determined to Sign Osimhen

Arsenal have reportedly remained determined to sign Victor Osimhen despite Galatasaray’s warning that the Nigerian striker will not be sold before the end of the summer transfer window.

The Premier League champions have explored the possibility of signing Osimhen as Galatasaray continues negotiations involving Arsenal forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.

Osimhen has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and came close to joining Chelsea two years ago. The 27-year-old has since continued to establish himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.

The Nigerian striker played a key role in Napoli’s Serie A title triumph in 2023 before moving to Galatasaray, where he has helped the Turkish club secure consecutive league titles.

Since joining Galatasaray from Napoli in a deal worth €75 million (£65 million), Osimhen has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances.

The striker did not completely rule out a departure when asked about transfer speculation following Galatasaray’s opening league match of the new season on Friday.

“There are always rumours during the transfer windows…” Osimhen said.

However, Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has reportedly insisted that the club has no intention of selling the Nigerian international this summer.

The Turkish club has already demonstrated its determination to keep Osimhen by rejecting a €130 million (£111 million) offer from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal.

Despite Galatasaray’s position, Turkish publication Sozcu reports that Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta remain interested in securing Osimhen’s services.

The report claims Arsenal consider Osimhen a more attainable target than Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

Arsenal have maintained a long-standing interest in Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid are reportedly demanding at least £150 million before considering a summer transfer.

The Gunners are therefore continuing to assess their options as they look to strengthen their attack ahead of the new campaign.

Osimhen’s goalscoring record and experience at the highest level make him an attractive target for Arsenal, although any potential deal would require Galatasaray to reconsider its current position.

With the summer transfer window still open, Arsenal’s pursuit of the Nigerian striker could become one of the major transfer stories before the deadline.