Arsenal have made Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen their primary transfer target for the upcoming summer window, shifting their focus away from Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins. The Gunners, currently trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool by six points, are keen on strengthening their attacking options, with Osimhen emerging as a key candidate.
Since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli in September, the 26-year-old forward has been in outstanding form, netting 17 goals and providing six assists in 22 appearances across all competitions. His overall record of 76 goals in 133 games for Napoli has attracted attention from top European clubs, with Arsenal’s interest dating back to mid-2024.
Napoli had initially set a €130m price tag on Osimhen, but the absence of firm offers matching this valuation could play in Arsenal’s favor during negotiations. Meanwhile, Villa remain reluctant to part ways with Watkins, despite the English striker’s reported desire to move to his boyhood club.
Former Lille teammate Jose Fonte recently voiced his surprise that no Premier League club had signed Osimhen, citing his aggressive, fast, and powerful playing style as a perfect fit for English football. The Nigerian forward had previously been linked with Chelsea and Saudi Arabian clubs before opting for Galatasaray, where he continues to showcase the form that made him Serie A’s first African top scorer with 26 goals in Napoli’s 2022/23 title-winning season.
While Arsenal are leading the race for his signature, Serie A giants Juventus are also reportedly preparing a €75m bid to bring Osimhen in as a replacement for Dusan Vlahovic. With sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli—who originally signed Osimhen for Napoli—keen on a reunion, Arsenal may face stiff competition for the Nigerian’s services in the summer transfer window.
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