By Olaitan Ibrahim
Arsenal are planning to meet with the agents of Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen ahead of a potential summer transfer window move for the Napoli player, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray.
CaughtOffside reports that the Gunners are exploring Osimhen as an option to strengthen their attack this summer, though Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres currently remain higher on their priority list.
The record FA Cup winners are in need of a 20-goal-per-season striker to boost their English Premier League title ambitions, and Osimhen fits the profile having scored 22 goals and provided five assists in 28 appearances across all competitions for Galatasaray this season.
The 26-year-old Nigerian has a €75m release clause in his contract for the next transfer window, making him a potentially attractive option for clubs seeking elite attacking talent.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain will also be three teams to watch in the race for Osimhen’s signature, according to CaughtOffside. Despite Manchester United’s likely lack of Champions League football, it’s understood that the Super Eagles striker would still be open to considering a move to Old Trafford.
Osimhen was strongly targeted by both Chelsea and PSG last year before his surprise loan move from Napoli to the Turkish champions. Both clubs reportedly remain interested in the forward, who has established himself as one of the finest centre-forwards in world football.
The Nigerian has been a crucial member of Okan Buruk’s side this season, helping Galatasaray maintain a four-point lead at the top of the Turkish Super Lig, though their grip on first place has loosened following recent disappointing results.
Galatasaray have failed to win any of their last four competitive matches, including a 3-3 draw with Kasimpasa where they squandered the lead twice, conceding a late equaliser in the 85th minute.
Napoli are reportedly eager to offload Osimhen permanently this summer, which could trigger a bidding war among Europe’s elite clubs for the prolific striker who previously starred for Lille in France before his move to Italy.