Arsenal have reportedly held discussions with Galatasaray over Victor Osimhen as talks between the two clubs over Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri expand into a potentially dramatic transfer negotiation.
Galatasaray have already submitted an official offer worth around £38million for Martinelli, with the Turkish champions making the Brazilian one of their leading summer targets.
Arsenal have yet to accept that proposal, but discussions between the clubs have continued.
Now The Telegraph reports that Osimhen’s name has been raised during negotiations involving Martinelli and Nwaneri.
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Arsenal ask about Victor Osimhen
Arsenal are understood to have enquired about the Nigeria international’s availability, although it remains unclear which club first raised the possibility of Osimhen becoming part of the discussions.
There is no suggestion that an agreement is close or that a swap deal has been proposed.
The development is nevertheless significant given Mikel Arteta’s comments after Wednesday’s draw against Como.
ReadArsenal reported that Arteta wants Arsenal to add more “skill and quality” before the window closes and confirmed the club are actively working on further additions.
Osimhen would certainly fit the description of a major attacking addition.
The 27-year-old scored 22 goals in all competitions for Galatasaray last season and remains one of Europe’s most established centre-forwards. Galatasaray also rejected a reported £111million approach from Al-Hilal for the striker this week.
The negotiations are also closely connected to Martinelli’s future.
ReadArsenal reported earlier on Thursday that Galatasaray had submitted a £38m offer for the winger, with Arsenal believed to want a higher figure.
Galatasaray have also shown interest in Nwaneri, adding another potential layer to discussions between sporting director Andrea Berta and the Turkish club.
Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen has surfaced before, but direct discussions over his availability would represent a significant development.
Whether those talks progress remains to be seen, but Arsenal are clearly still exploring ambitious ways to improve Arteta’s squad before the transfer window closes.
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