Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and his team are on course to strike a transfer deal with Napoli forward Victor Osimhen this summer, according to reports. Arsenal are likely to make a return to European football and therefore, to raise their game, they are needed to make several new signings this summer.
After the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, it is Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette – whose future hangs in the balance. Neither of the two players have signed a new contract and are not likely to do so as both are tipped to leave the club at the end of the season on a free transfer. Therefore, it is necessary for the Gunners to at least sign two strikers in the upcoming transfer window.
Before the enticing clash between Arsenal and Manchester United, Arsenal’s technical director, Edu Gaspar, sat down with ESPN Brasil and talked about the topic of “reinforcements”, expecting to sign either “one or two” players at the end of the season.
Among other pricey players in the market, the Nigerian international has emerged as a prime target for Mikel Arteta. Edu has been hunting for a new striker ever since failing to sign any of their designated targets in January. Also, Arteta seems keen on closing a deal with the young talent.
The Napoli striker has made 23 apperances in the Serie A this season, scoring 12 goals and assisting 4 times (stats via Transfermarkt). Thus, Victor Osimhen could certainly be the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle for Arsenal, who are in desperate need to sign a new No. 9.
It was earlier reported that Arsenal are in pole position to sign Victor Osimhen. Now, according to journalist Freddie Paxton (via TEAMtalk), the Gunners have reached out to the 23-year-old’s representatives and enquired about a summer transfer. Newcastle United are also said to be interested but the striker prefers a move to North London.
Meanwhile, Italian sports journalist, Emanuele Cammaroto told Areanapoli (via Football.London) that Arsenal has initiated contact with Osimhen’s representatives over a potential move to England this summer. He discussed the concerns circling Victor Osimhen’s future saying:
“The big names of the Premier League are following him and are beginning to come forward”
“But Napoli’s idea is to keep the Nigerian centre forward at least for another season unless there are significant proposals. At the moment, Arsenal has come forward and has sounded out the player’s entourage.”
I’m told Arsenal have been in contact with the agent of Victor Osimhen. The feeling is that the interest is serious, but Napoli will expect €100m+ this summer. Player wants to play in England and has previously been contacted by Newcastle. He is more interested in Arsenal.#AFC
— Freddie Paxton (@Freddie_Paxton) April 25, 2022
The Nigerian forward has expressed desire to play in the Premier League. However, Victor Osimhen fulfilling his desire to play in England could be possible only if Arsenal coughs up some hefty coins in order to sign him. Napoli, on the contrary, won’t knock down the price tag set on their key player.
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Therefore, the Gunners need to sort out their budget to incorporate the striker’s cost which is said to be around €100m. Amid further negotiations, it will not be so easy for Arteta’s side to complete a deal for the player as the Serie A side are not expected to back down from their valuation.
The North London side could certainly use the services of Osimhen, given the impressive numbers he has churned out for the Italian side so far. He could be a force set upfront on the field and also an exciting addition to Arteta’s starting eleven. However, we’ll have to wait and see how things take shape in the coming months.
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