Arsenal
Arsenal’s push for Osimhen is getting serious
Arsenal’s interest in Victor Osimhen is now a clear priority, and Andrea Berta’s recent trip to Istanbul proves the club is making a real move. According to Spanish outlet AS, via BBC, the Arsenal sporting director was in Istanbul on Sunday for the Galatasaray vs Fenerbahce derby to watch the Nigerian striker. Berta held direct talks with Galatasaray officials about a potential deal while he was at the stadium.
Osimhen moved to Galatasaray from Napoli last summer and has been in top form, scoring 20 goals and adding eight assists in 32 matches this season. He even scored the opening goal in the 3-0 derby win while Berta watched from the stands.
While there, Berta also kept an eye on winger Baris Alper Yilmaz and goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir, who are both on Arsenal’s radar. Because Osimhen’s contract runs until 2029, Galatasaray are under no pressure to sell cheaply. They are reportedly asking for €150 million, with Barcelona also interested in the striker.
Three Mistakes Manchester United should not make against Liverpool
Do Arsenal need Osimhen with Gyokeres in the side?
This is the big question for the summer. Viktor Gyokeres has 21 goals for Arsenal this season, but he has often struggled to impact games in open play. Berta seems convinced the squad needs more. Osimhen offers a different profile, as he has explosive pace, is dominant in the air, and presses with an intensity that Gyokeres doesn’t match.
However, there are risks involved. His discipline is a worry, as seven yellow cards in the Turkish league this season show he can be reckless. Osimhen’s injury history at Napoli was also inconsistent. On top of that, his €21 million annual salary would mean Arsenal paying about £300,000 a week. To stay within financial rules, the club would likely need to sell fringe players for £40–50 million.
Odegaard Starts | 4-2-3-1 Arsenal XI to win three points against Fulham
Arsenal don’t just need a body up front; they need a game-changer. Gyokeres is a solid striker, but a fit Osimhen is much harder for defenders to handle. If Arsenal want to secure the league title and compete in the Champions League, that extra quality is vital, and Berta clearly agrees.