Arsenal are in active discussions with Galatasaray over a potential transfer for Nigerian international striker Victor Osimhen, according to reports from Foot Mercato and The Telegraph.
The Premier League champions are seeking a reliable goalscorer to provide genuine competition for Viktor Gyökeres and strengthen Mikel Arteta’s attacking options heading into the new season.
Osimhen, 27, joined Galatasaray on a permanent basis last summer for €75 million following a highly publicised transfer saga involving his former club Napoli.
The striker contributed 30 goal contributions last season with the Turkish club, underlining exactly why Arteta has identified him as a priority target this window.
Arsenal’s negotiations with Galatasaray appear to be part of a broader, multi-player arrangement, with several high-profile names potentially moving in the opposite direction as part of any agreement.
Gabriel Martinelli and teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri have both been linked with moves to Galatasaray as part of the wider discussions between the two clubs.
Arsenal are understood to have offered 19-year-old Nwaneri to Galatasaray for a reported fee of €40 million, with the Turkish giants now said to be moving forward with a deal to secure the player.
Despite the reported progress, personal terms remain a significant stumbling block, with Osimhen currently earning a net salary of €20 million per year under a contract that runs until 2029.
Arsenal have reportedly made clear that Osimhen would need to accept a reduced salary for any transfer to proceed, as matching his current Galatasaray wages is considered financially impossible for the club.
Galatasaray are under no pressure to sell cheaply and are expected to demand a premium fee, adding further complexity to what is already a complicated deal structure.
Chelsea legend John Obi Mikel has thrown his support behind a potential move, previously stating that Osimhen is desperate to compete at the very highest level of European football.
Arsenal open their Premier League title defence this Friday against promoted side Coventry City, with Arteta eager to have his squad bolstered well before the transfer window closes.