Arsenal set to rival European giants for signing of Victor Osimhen - Reports
Arsenal have reportedly entered the race to sign striker Victor Osimhen from Napoli. The Gunners have been busy lately in the summer transfer window as they are keen to bolster their squad heading into the 2024–25 season.
They signed defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for €45 million and completed the permanent signing of goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford.
In recent months, Nigerian forward Osimhen has been linked with a move to several clubs, with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea leading the race. According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Osimhen has given PSG the green light. But a deal is yet to materialise, as the French giants are not willing to pay his release clause of €130 million.
According to Football Italia, the Gunners are ready to hijack the deal, intensifying negotiations and offering a higher transfer fee than the Ligue 1 club. However, Arsenal are proposing a lower salary than PSG.
Since arriving at Napoli in 2020, the 25-year-old has scored 76 goals across competitions for the Italian giants, playing an integral role in their 2022-23 Serie A triumph.
Napoli seem to want to make an exception for Chelsea, who are also interested in their striker. While the Italian giants hope that his release clause can be paid in full, they will accept a lower amount plus Blues striker Romelu Lukaku. However, The Blues seem to be out of the race for Osimhen despite pursuing him for a while.
Osimhen agent has dispelled the possibility of a loan move for the player, as per Romano. So, Arsenal could pull some strings, as new Napoli boss Antonio Conte is keen on bringing in Lukaku. But Napoli will have to part ways with Osimhen for that to happen.
Arsenal target Victor Osimhen interested in playing in Premier League
While Victor Osimhen has been the subject of interest from PSG and Saudi Pro League clubs, reports say that the Nigerian international aspires to play in the Premier League. Italian journalist Vincenzo Credendino told BBC:
"Since the first day, his agent and relatives have always told us that his dream is to go to the Premier League."
There have been a lot of speculations about the future of Victor Osimhen. But a move to the Premier League will provide him with the opportunity to test his mettle and increase his market value if he keeps performing at the highest level.