Arsenal have now overtaken Chelsea in the race to sign a £101m striker this summer after holding talks with his agent to discuss a potential transfer to Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners and Blues are both in the market for fresh attacking talent to bolster their team for next term. Arsenal enjoyed a club-record 91 goals in the 2023/24 Premier League season but rarely relied on a natural No9. Nicolas Jackson also rarely led Chelsea’s line as they liked.
Only Bukayo Saka (16), Kai Havertz (13) and Leandro Trossard (12) scored double-digit hauls in north London in 23/24. Out-out-out strikers Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, on the other hand, scored five and four goals. Havertz bagged eight of his goals in 13 outings as a striker.
Arsenal approach Victor Osimhen’s agent to discuss the Chelsea target’s transfer
So, Arsenal have shown an interest in targeting Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli in the transfer window to hand Mikel Arteta a true centre-forward. That is according to Il Roma, which cites the Gunners as one of the Premier League clubs the 25-year-old is waiting to make an offer.
Napoli expect Osimhen will leave the Serie A side this summer and are exploring a swoop for Romelu Lukaku as his replacement. But Osimhen will not depart before July despite Arsenal, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain plus Saudi sides Al Hilal and Al Ahli showing interest in him.
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Arsenal have also spoken with Osimhen’s agent to discuss the Napoli star’s potential transfer to Emirates Stadium. Sporting director Edu has tried to understand the 27-cap Nigeria star’s situation after scoring 15 goals through 25 appearances during the 23/24 Serie A campaign.
Chelsea have slipped away in the race to sign Osimhen with Arsenal launching talks with his agent. Paris Saint-Germain are also yet to make a serious move for his arrival. But Il Mattino reports that Al Ahli are ready to trigger Osimhen’s €120m (£101m) release clause at Napoli.
Victor Osimhen ‘ticks all the boxes’ that Mikel Arteta needs at Emirates Stadium
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis will not accept a bid below the €120m (£101m) clause that Osimhen agreed to when signing his latest contract in December. But the Azzurri boss is realistic about his striker’s fate as Il Mattino notes he earns €15m-a-year (£243k-a/w) gross.
The Gunners offering Osimhen a similar salary to switch to N5 would instantly slot him in the top three of Arsenal’s 23/24 wage bill. Osimhen would even become one of Arsenal’s record signings by triggering his release clause. But his arrival in north London would delight some.
Edu possibly targeting the Nigerian has already drawn public support with some Arsenal fans pleading for Osimhen’s transfer. Additionally, former Trinidad and Tobago star Shaka Hislop is confident in his belief that Osimhen is the ideal striker for Arsenal to target in the summer.
Hislop recently said on ESPN FC: “Without question, the first order of business is signing that style of finisher, and Osimhen ticks all the boxes that Arsenal need.”