Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen is being linked with a transfer to Arsenal, 10 years after rejecting the Gunners to sign for Wolfsburg
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen has been linked with Arsenal
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Victor Osimhen's friend and former Nigeria team-mate John Ogu has made it clear he hopes the Galatasaray striker will join Arsenal.
In the past 24 hours, reports have intimated that Osimhen's name has cropped up during discussions between the two clubs over Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
football.london understands Italian agent George Gardi is involved in those talks and he has strong links to both Andrea Berta and Maurizio Michelli.
Both Arsenal chiefs actually attended Galatasaray against Fenerbahce back in April at RAMS Park in Istanbul as Gardi's guests.
Ogu posted on social media platform X: "Dear Lord please let that his move to Arsenal come to pass, AMEN," accompanied by a praying hands emoji.
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The 38-year-old ex-midfielder played alongside Osimhen in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations for Nigeria and has enjoyed a friendship with the ex-Napoli frontman ever since.
This is not the first time Osimhen has been linked with a move to Arsenal, either. Back in 2016, over 10 years ago, he revealed he rejected the chance to join the Premier League champions to sign for Wolfsburg instead.
The interest came after the U17 World Cup in October 2015, when Osimhen scored 10 goals to help Nigeria win the competition.
He later said: "It's true that a big team like Arsenal wanted me and I feel honoured to be invited over. But personally I feel Wolfsburg is a ladder for me to reach my professional goals.
"Yes Arsenal is a good team for young players but Wolfsburg is the best club for me. This is the best place for me to learn and develop because my heart is here with Wolfsburg.
John Ogu and Victor Osimhen
John Ogu played with Victor Osimhen for Nigeria
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"The club's plan for my career is very encouraging and I believe with God on my side I can grow to become one of the best players in the world."
Al-Hilal are also said to be interested in the 27-year-old centre-forward, who also came close to signing for Chelsea from Napoli in August 2024 before a deal collapsed on deadline day.
There is already talk in Turkey that Galatasaray have rejected a massive bid from the Saudi Pro League side. The Turkish Super Lig champions have already placed an offer for Martinelli worth £38.5m while they also hold an interest in Nwaneri.
Osimhen hit 22 goals and registered eight assists in all competitions last season after making his loan switch permanent for £64million.