Arsenal are looking to add to their squad before their Premier League title defence begins
Arsenal have already strengthened Mikel Arteta's squad this summer and are looking to do more business before the window closes.
Arsenal have already strengthened Mikel Arteta's squad this summer and are looking to do more business before the window closes.(Image: (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images))
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Arsenal have reportedly held talks with Galatasaray about a move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen this summer, as part of negotiations for Ethan Nwaneri.
The Telegraph says it's unclear whether Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta instigated talks for the Nigerian striker, or whether Osimhen was offered to the Premier League champions.
Mikel Arteta's side are said to have a long-standing interest in Osimhen, and are reportedly considering a move for the former Napoli striker, having been put off by Atletico Madrid's £100m valuation of Julian Alvarez.
The Gunners have been strongly linked with the Argentinian striker throughout last season, who helped his country reach the World Cup Final.
Barcelona have also been linked for the Atletico Madrid striker, but Diego Simeone's side appear intent on keeping the 26-year-old.
Osimhen has been linked with a move to the Premier League throughout his career, with Chelsea interested in signing him during the summer of 2024, having fallen out of favour at Napoli.
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A move to Al-Ahli fell through at the 11th hour, and he's end up joining Galatasaray on a season-long loan due to the Turkish transfer window still being open.
That move was made permanent for a reported £64m last summer, making him the highest paid transfer in Turkish football history.
The Nigerian striker has carried on with his goalscoring prowess in Turkey, scoring an impressive 59 goals in 74 appearances.
Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray
Victor Osimhen has been linked with Arsenal and Spurs this summer(Image: Arife Karakum/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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His current contract with the Turkish giants expires in the summer of 2029, meaning he'd command a hefty transfer fee.
However, according to CIES, Osimhen has a market value of £51m given he's currently operating in the Turkish Sup Lig, outside of Europe's top-five leagues.
Gabriel Martinelli was a potential target for Galatasaray, but he has reportedly informed Arsenal that he has no desire to play outside of a top-five European league this summer, following a £38m offer from the Turkish club.
As it stands, it's unclear whether Nwaneri would be included in a potential swap deal for Osimhen, while Martinelli's stance has complicated any ideas of an exchange.
football.london understands that Italian side AC Milan have enquired about a move for Nwaneri but a deal at this stage is unlikely.