Why Osimhen to Arsenal might be closer than you think

Updated: 14 Aug 2026 07:23 CDT | 4 min read

Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

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Arsenal’s hunt for a striker has led them to turn to Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen in a surprise move.

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Osimhen was once a prominent target for Premier League sides, notably Chelsea, while he was with Napoli, yet with traditional European giants unwilling to match his wages, Galatasaray took advantage of the situation by signing the Nigeria international.

Despite being prolific with the Super Lig side, the 27-year-old has rather dropped off the radar in England. Until now.

Current ETV

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

Victor Osimhen

F (C)

Galatasaray

ETV Range

€54.6M - €66.8M

The Telegraph reports that Arsenal are ready to reignite their interest in Osimhen to such an extent they have already spoken about the forward.

No offer has been made yet, but the deal is being discussed as one of a number of potential deals between the clubs. FootMercato reports Galatasaray have not put a price on the striker’s head but want to at least recoup the €75 million they paid for him.

It’s a deal that may sound a long shot, but it could be closer than many believe.

Berta in Galatasaray talks

Turkey has established itself as a major player in the transfer market this summer. Trabzonspor’s eye-catching deal to sign Mohamed Salah confirmed the Super Lig as a destination more viable than Saudi Arabia, for example.

Several clubs are pouring money into their transfer business, and this is something that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has tried to exploit.

Berta has been talking business with the Istanbul side this summer, with both Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri targeted by Galatasaray, BBC Sport confirms. Indeed, the Gunners have reportedly fielded a €45 million offer for the Brazil winger. The deal, though, is struggling to take off. Martinelli does not want to go to Turkey, it is claimed.

Nevertheless, it’s clear the Super Lig is broadly being ambitious this summer: Fenerbahce have signed Mason Greenwood, Nathan Ake and Romelu Lukaku, Besiktas have added Leandro Trossard, Alexander Nubel and Dusan Vlahovic, and of course, Trabzonspor have Salah.

© IMAGO - Mo Salah's move to Trabzonspor is a statement of intent from Super Lig clubs

Could Osimhen have his head turned as Galatasaray are outspent?

Ironically, of the biggest clubs, it’s been Galatasaray who have not made any significant moves. While this has sparked conspiracy theories suggesting state companies have poured money into their rivals via sponsorship deals to ensure Gala don’t become too dominant, there is also the potential of this turning the heads of their existing stars.

Foremost among these players is Osimhen, who has 59 goals and 16 assists across his two seasons with the club.

The Nigeria star still has two years to run on his contract, but at 27 years old, this could be his final chance to move to the Premier League at his absolute peak.

From Arsenal’s perspective, meanwhile, there would be a certain logic behind a deal. Mikel Arteta wants another centre-forward, and with Osimhen boasting a different profile to Viktor Gyokeres, who notably did not start the Champions League final, he is the type of prolific player who could catch the attention of the Emirates club.

Berta, meanwhile, is fostering relationships with the leaders of the Turkish side, potentially laying the groundwork for a deal this summer or next.

All the evidence is circumstantial at present, but the pieces are in place for Arsenal to rapidly accelerate on Osimhen further down the line if it’s a route Arteta wants his side to go down.