Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has urged Arsenal to sign Nigerian star forward Victor Osimhen in January.
Arsenal’s search for a world-class striker continues. They wanted to sign a top-quality number nine during the summer but that didn’t go according to plan. Having struggled to score goals from open play in the first half of the 2024/25 season, the Gunners are looking to sign a striker in the winter.
The North London club are on the lookout for a natural number nine and Rio Ferdinand believes Arsenal should go after the services of Victor Osimhen during the upcoming transfer window.
The United legend said via Football Transfers: “Now, you ain’t having a number nine that’s coming on impacting games,”
“But I don’t even think you’ve got to buy an Osimhen, although I would buy Osimhen.
“But I’m saying like, you haven’t even got to buy the best out there who’s available. You’ve got to buy someone who can come in and impact games.”
Arsenal’s quest for a new striker
Arsenal have struggled to score from open plays having failed to do so in their last four outings. They are already six points behind the league leaders who have a game in hand. With them at the risk of completely falling out of the title race, the Gunners will look at the winter window as a chance to reinforce their squad.
Kai Havertz is the one who currently takes charge as their number nine but Ferdinand feels they need a proper striker. He suggested they should look to buy someone who can come in and impact. If he was in charge, the former United defender would push to sign Osimhen.
Osimhen can move clubs in January
The Nigerian international is currently on loan at Galatasaray after falling out with Napoli. He was at risk of sitting on the sidelines for the entire first half, as a result, he agreed to a temporary switch to Turkiye. The 25-year-old is going strong with 10 goals and five assists in his 14 outings.
While his loan deal runs until the end of the season, Napoli has the option to cut it short and sanction a permanent departure in the winter. There is a €75 million release clause which comes into effect in January and the Gunners can make the most of it. The Naples-based club would love to see him leave during the upcoming window as it will allow them to sign multiple stars to bolster their squad.