Arsenal have reportedly opened discussions with Galatasaray over a possible move for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian forward emerging as part of wider transfer talks between the two clubs.
According to reports from Britain and Europe, Arsenal’s negotiations with Galatasaray have also involved Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli and young midfielder Ethan Nwaneri. PUNCH Sports Extra reports that the discussions were held between Galatasaray officials and Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta.
Football correspondent Matt Law of The Telegraph reported that Galatasaray have submitted a £38.4 million offer for Martinelli and have also shown interest in Nwaneri, who spent the second half of the previous season on loan at Marseille.
It is not yet clear whether Arsenal used the discussions to formally enquire about Osimhen or whether Galatasaray themselves brought up the possibility of the striker leaving the club.
Arsenal Renew Interest in Osimhen
Osimhen has previously attracted significant Premier League interest. Chelsea held advanced negotiations with Napoli over a potential transfer two years ago, but the deal did not materialize. The striker instead moved to Galatasaray on loan before completing a permanent transfer to the Turkish giants in a deal reportedly worth around €75 million.
Since moving to Turkey, Osimhen has strengthened his reputation as one of Europe’s most dangerous strikers.
The Nigeria international has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances during his two campaigns with Galatasaray and has helped the club win consecutive Turkish Super Lig titles.
His most recent league campaign was particularly impressive, with Osimhen scoring 22 goals and providing six assists in 33 appearances.
Arsenal have reportedly admired the striker for some time. However, the North London club had previously considered Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez their preferred option.
That pursuit has become increasingly difficult because Atletico are reportedly demanding more than £100 million for Alvarez. The Spanish club have also rejected an offer from Barcelona worth around £86 million.
With negotiations for Alvarez proving complicated, Arsenal are believed to be reconsidering alternative striking options, potentially bringing Osimhen back into serious consideration.
Galatasaray Reject €130m Osimhen Offer
While Arsenal’s interest is developing, Galatasaray are reportedly under no immediate pressure to sell Osimhen.
German transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg reported that Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal recently made a verbal offer of €130 million for the Nigerian striker through an intermediary.
According to Plettenberg, Galatasaray rejected the approach and have no plans to enter negotiations for the forward at this stage.
The journalist wrote on X that Galatasaray were offered €130 million but remained unwilling to negotiate over the striker.
The latest developments have created some uncertainty around Osimhen’s future, particularly because recent reports have offered conflicting accounts of Galatasaray’s position.
One earlier report claimed the Turkish club had lowered its asking price to around €65 million amid interest from Al Hilal. Another report, however, maintained that Galatasaray had no intention of selling Osimhen after rejecting an offer worth more than €130 million.
For now, Osimhen’s future remains one of the major transfer stories to watch, with Arsenal potentially emerging as another serious destination if the Premier League club decides to make a move.
