Arsenal make final Victor Osimhen decision

Updated: 21 Aug 2026 15:27 BST | 4 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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Arsenal have been strongly linked with Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen in recent days, and there is one non-negotiable that could make or break the deal.

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The Nigeria international started the season off in rip-roaring fashion. Osimhen bagged a brace against Corum last weekend to salvage a draw for reigning champions Galatasaray in their Super Lig opener.

His goals came amid mounting speculation that he could soon be on his way out of the club, just a year after joining permanently in a record-shattering €75 million deal. Publicly, Galatasaray insist that Osimhen is not for sale.

Current ETV

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

ETV Range

€54.6M - €66.8M

However, they currently find themselves in a tricky position. Their transfer business so far hasn't been quite as thrilling as last year's. Gala have just completed a deal for hugely exciting Russian talent Alexey Batrakov, but it is not the kind of stunning signing the club's supporters have grown accustomed to over the past 12 months.

Indeed, after the draw with Corum, the fans voiced their displeasure with the club's transfer window and demanded more high-profile arrivals. Links with Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes ensued, but he is not for sale.

Arsenal make Osimhen decision

Selling Osimhen, who would fetch a huge fee and who is on a monumental salary, would certainly free up plenty of resources, but it is not a sacrifice most people associated with the Istanbul giants are prepared to make.

Nevertheless, it has been claimed that the 27-year-old's name was discussed during Galatasaray's ill-fated talks with Arsenal over Gabriel Martinelli. There have been links with the Gunners ever since.

Foot Mercato has now provided an update on the situation and claims that Arsenal are genuinely interested in the Nigerian. Mikel Arteta, it is stated, wants competition for Viktor Gyokeres.

Having been informed that Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez doesn't want to move to England, Arsenal have supposedly pivoted to Osimhen. However, it is emphasised that the Premier League champions won't make any rash decisions.

They have a clear financial framework in mind for a potential deal, and they are not willing to break their wage structure just to sign Osimhen. This is an issue because it means that they will not match his €20 million annual net salary.

The Gunners have "no intention of making an unreasonable offer." If Osimhen wants to fulfil his dream of playing in the Premier League, he must accept a pay cut - and potentially a very significant one at that. Otherwise, Arsenal will not make a move.

We previously reported that the finances involved in a deal to sign Osimhen make a move to the Emirates incredibly unlikely. Arsenal may be interested in adding attacking depth, but they won't break the bank on the Nigerian.