“You know how good he is" - Pundit believes Serie A superstar could be a 'gamechanger' for Arsenal
Don Hutchinson reckons Victor Osimhen could become a game-changer for Arsenal. The Nigerian striker has been linked with a summer exit from Napoli but hasn't yet pledged his future anywhere.
Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain are among the top clubs linked with a move for Osimhen. The Gunners are also in the conversation, and Hutchinson thinks the prolific Nigerian could be a massive signing for Mikel Arteta's side.
On BBC Radio Five Live Football Daily Podcast, he said (via The Boot Room):
"I think they need one more (signing), and that one more is a striker."
"You know how good he (Osimhen), and he is a game changer for them (Napoli). Are Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz going to be the men to try and get anywhere near Erling Haaland's numbers? Probably not."
Arsenal have quality all around the pitch but don't have a striker who can churn out goals.
Jesus is crucial in the link-up play but isn't a prolific goalscorer, as his numbers suggest. The Brazilian has racked up 19 goals and 15 assists in 70 appearances across competitions since his 2022 move to the Emirates.
Victor Osimhen, meanwhile, knows where the back of the net is. During his Napoli stint, he has proven his status as one of the best strikers in world football. He boasts an impressive 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 appearances for Napoli.
In 2022-23, he scored 26 Serie A goals in 32 appearances, leading Napoli to the league title. Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League for the last two seasons, so Osimhen could help the team take that extra leap to become champions.
Arsenal start campaign with a win
Arsenal have started off their 2024-25 Premier League campaign with a win. Mikel Arteta's side made light work of Wolves, winning their league opener 2-0 at the Emirates on Saturday (August 17).
Kai Havertz (25') and Bukayo Saka (74') got on the scoresheet. The German, after making some notable contributions last season, has started the new campaign well. Saka, meanwhile, has seemingly picked up where he left off at the end of the previous season.
Next up for the Gunners is a trip to Villa Park for a showdown with Aston Villa on August 24. Unai Emery's side finished fourth in the league last season and are in the UEFA Champions League.