While once Chelsea and Manchester United were linked, Arsenal may get a free run at a deal with Napoli in the remaining four days of the transfer window.
Napoli once demanded over £100million for Osimhen. When penning a new contract in late 2023, the Naples outfit inserted a £108m release clause into his deal. President Aurelio De Laurentiis always stood firm on that valuation.
That changed last summer when Osimhen wanted to leave. Several Premier League clubs were interested in a deal but failed to complete one before the transfer deadline. The 26-year-old ultimately joined Galatasaray on loan.
Osimhen has excelled in Turkey, just as he did while playing in the Italian Serie A. He has scored 16 goals in 20 appearances and has shown potential to perform well at a higher level.
According to Corriere dello Sport, Napoli are demanding £67m from any club wanting to sign Osimhen. Galatasaray have first refusal on a permanent deal for £62m. Napoli are claimed to have rejected a £54m offer from the Turkish outfit.
Arsenal must consider rekindling their interest in Osimhen at £67m. It is a drastic discount on the nine figures once demanded by De Laurentiis.
The Gunners are desperate for a new centre-forward and Osimhen is at the peak of his powers. He has proven himself capable of scoring goals, having also struck frequently for Napoli. Working under Mikel Arteta provides an opportunity to develop into a truly elite striker.
Victor Osimhen
Arsenal were once quoted over £100m for Victor Osimhen (Image: Getty)
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Moves for Alexander Isak and Ollie Watkins have hit the buffers this month. Newcastle will not sell Isak, while any deal for Watkins will be difficult due to Aston Villa selling Jhon Duran to Al Nassr.
Arsenal are widely reported to have made a £45m bid for the England forward, which was turned down by Villa, and are likely to need to pay in excess of £60m. The Gunners seem to be running into a brick wall with the 29-year-old unlikely to leave, despite his previous revelation that the Emirates Stadium would be his ‘dream’ destination.
They should therefore ditch a move for Watkins and place their efforts into signing Osimhen. Arteta has only four days to sign a centre–forward and the Napoli forward would be a better value-for-money signing than Watkins.
With Kai Havertz struggling for goals and Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the season, Arsenal must act fast to save their Premier League title challenge. Negotiating a deal for Osimhen is their best chance to revive their battle with leaders Liverpool.
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