Victor Osimhen to Arsenal: Romano reveals transfer truth

17 Aug 2026 10:03 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

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Arsenal are not in ongoing talks with Galatasaray over a summer move for Victor Osimhen, and a move to the Emirates Stadium remains highly unlikely before Transfer Deadline Day.

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The Nigeria striker has been linked with a switch to Mikel Arteta’s side for several years, but FootballTransfers has been told that Arsenal are not currently pursuing a deal for Osimhen, despite historical interest in the 27-year-old.

Current ETV

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

ETV Range

€54.6M - €66.8M

Osimhen has scored 61 goals in 75 games for Galatasaray, including a brace versus Corum FK on Saturday, but his wage demands have always been an obstacle for Premier League clubs, and we understand that Arteta is happy with his current striker options of Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres.

However, the latter has been speculatively linked with a move to Barcelona in the Spanish press, with the Blaugrana reportedly ready to launch an approach after finalising the signing of Manchester City midfielder Rodri for an initial fee of €60 million.

The Spanish giants look set to miss out on top target Julian Alvarez, with Atletico Madrid reluctant to sanction a sale, and they have earmarked Gyokeres as a possible alternative option, as per El Chiriguito (via Sport).

The Sweden striker netted 21 goals during his debut campaign at Arsenal, following his arrival from Sporting CP, but although Barcelona are reportedly interested in securing his signature this summer, they are yet to begin formal talks, according to Fabrizio Romano.

© IMAGO - Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with an Arsenal exit

Fabrizio Romano provides update on Gyokeres to Barcelona and Osimhen to Arsenal

“Some of you are asking me if there is a chance to see Victor Gyokeres joining Barcelona this summer. Guys, at the moment, what I can tell you, checking this news overnight, is that Arsenal have not received any kind of call, any kind of direct contact from Barcelona for Victor Gyokeres,” Romano admitted in his latest YouTube video.

“At the moment, the information is that Barcelona have not reached out to Arsenal. So, at the moment, I would keep it quiet, in the sense that nothing really concrete has started. But again, Barcelona still need a striker, and in case they decide to go for a centre-forward, for sure we have to be attentive to several options because Julian Alvarez remains the dream, but the reality might be different.

“At the moment, as of today, Atletico Madrid are yet to open the doors for Julian Alvarez. And so, we will be attentive.”

Meanwhile, Romano also clarified the truth regarding Arsenal’s reported interest in Osimhen.

“It's a similar situation to Barcelona and Gyokeres at this stage. Nothing really concrete is happening at this stage between Arsenal and Galatasaray. No negotiations, no bid, no conversations from what I heard. At the moment, it's a quiet topic.

“Galatasaray sources say that the understanding is that the club absolutely want to keep Victor Osimhen. Galatasaray will fight in every way, even if they receive proposals, to keep Victor Osimhen.

“So, at the moment, there is nothing else to say. If Arsenal come for Osimhen, if Barcelona come for Gyokeres, I will be here to tell you.”