Napoli Have Turned Down £51 Million Bid From Arsenal for Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen, Arsenal, Manchester United

Arsenal have seen their first bid for 23-year-old striker, Victor Osimhen, rejected by Napoli, according to reports in Italy. The Nigerian is the main striker of the Italian club and has been there for the past two years. His contract at the club lasts till 2025, but his talent is attracting interest this summer from all over Europe.

The Gunners currently do not have any first-team strikers. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left the club in January to join Barcelona. The Gunners recently announced the departure of Alexandre Lacazette, who has returned to Lyon. Eddie Nketiah is likely to continue in North London but there is a long way to go before he can become the first team number 9 at the Emirates Stadium.

Victor Osimhen, Napoli, Arsenal — Image obtained via Goal

Signing a striker remains a top priority for the Gunners in this transfer window. If they want to improve on their current season, signing a prolific centre-forward is a must as it might solve most of their issues in attack. However, the high demand in the market for strikers might make it difficult for the North London club to get a player that fits their profile.

According to Italian outlet Il Mattino (via Metro), Napoli have rejected a €60m (£51m) offer from Arsenal to sign Victor Osimhen. The Gunners tried to test the waters surrounding the player and have been turned down straight away. The report states the Serie A club want €100m (£85m) for the striker.

The Nigerian international has scored 28 goals and assisted 9 in his 62 appearances for Napoli (stats via Transfermarkt) in two seasons. The Azzurri brought him to Italy by paying €70 million plus add-ons to his previous club Lille. Considering his importance, it is understandable why they want to maximise the profit on his sale if it takes place.

Napoli has rejected Arsenal’s £51 million bid for Victor Osimhen pic.twitter.com/kcykXu6kJm

— Naija (@Naija_PR) June 13, 2022

Since the Gunners are going through a rebuilding phase, it is ideal for them to sign a young striker. Victor Osimhen is just 23 and has displayed a lot of promise. The only stumbling block could be the asking price set by the Italian side. Osimhen still has three years left on his contract and the North London side will have to break the bank to complete the signing.

Is Victor Osimhen The Ideal Striker For Arsenal?

Victor Osimhen has a very good build to win physical duels. That could be extremely helpful as the Premier League is known for its physicality. He could be a real threat on the counter due to his superb pace and can dribble quite well with the ball at his feet. Most importantly, he is excellent at finishing and that also includes being extremely comfortable in scoring from crosses.

The Nigerian has a great eye for spotting spaces on the pitch and can also make excellent runs behind the opposition defence. Moreover, he is also very good at linkup play and is adept at receiving the ball with his back to goal. His good first touch won’t compromise a good chance created by his team. Another thing he is very good at is pressing. He creates pressure and could force the opposition defence to play risky long balls which can make them concede possession.

His strong build helps him in holding the ball and he can also create chances with his one-touch passing. The 23-year-old is very similar to Romelu Lukaku in this aspect. However, what Arteta’s side can most gain from the player is his directness inside the box and lethal finishing as he is very clinical inside the 18-yard box.

Victor Osimhen could be a very good signing for Arsenal, however, the club should first look at a few more feasible signings. The Gunners wanted to sign Gabriel Jesus but recently faced a blow when Manchester City offered the Brazilian to Chelsea. If the North London side somehow manage to bring the Nigerian striker to the Emirates Stadium, then it could be a huge signing for the club.

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