Wednesday morning done deal: Arsenal complete the signing of £50m striker after late swoop, medical is today as set to be announced as Arteta 6th signing before Friday deadline day
Arsenal have ‘held talks’ over the signing of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to reports.
Osimhen has started the season strongly, scoring three goals in Napoli’s opening two Serie A fixtures.
His form in front of goal last term was a huge reason why his side strolled to their first league title in over three decades. Across all competitions, the Nigerian scored 31 times in 39 appearances.
There was expected to be a lot of interest in Osimhen this summer. Perhaps clubs have been put off by Napoli’s asking price, which is believed to be well over £100million.
Napoli are well within their right to demand a huge transfer fee and the fact the player is not actively pushing for a move has strengthened their hand.
There has been some reported interest from Saudi Arabia after the failed attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe, though those rumours died down fairly quickly.
A transfer next summer could be on the cards, with Arsenal already laying the groundwork, according to reports.
Football Transfers says Arsenal ‘held initial talks last week’ over a deal to bring in Osimhen in 2024.
Gunners director of football Edu Gaspar has ‘contacted’ Napoli’s owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, to become informed on the ‘availability’ of the 24-year-old.
Edu has apparently been ‘encouraged’ by Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta prioritises the addition of a ‘world-class No. 9’ at the end of this season.
Arteta ‘believes the only way’ to continue challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title is to ‘bring in a reliable striker’.
It is added that Osimhen – whose contract expires in 2025 – is not interested in signing a new deal at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Gabriel Jesus was bought by Arsenal for £45million last summer but has struggled with injuries during his time in north London.
The Brazilian striker scored 11 times in 26 Premier League appearances last season as the goals were shared throughout the Gunners squad.
Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka all scored 15 goals each, while Eddie Nketiah and Granit Xhaka both bagged 11.
While the whole Arsenal team likes to play off and around Jesus, he is a terrific all-round striker who lacks a cutting edge in front of goal.
