Mikel Arteta's Arsenal still face a difficult task of convincing Galatasaray to sell Victor Osimhen
Arsenal face a battle to sign Victor Osimhen.
Arsenal face a battle to sign Victor Osimhen.(Image: Photo by Abdulhamid Hosbas/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has reportedly said that Arsenal target Victor Osimhen is NOT for sale under any circumstances. The Gunners have been linked with a sensational swoop for the Nigerian talisman as Mikel Arteta eyes fresh firepower for the Premier League champions.
Reports in Turkey suggest that the Spaniard is determined to bring the former Napoli man to the Premier League, after a disappointing summer so far in the transfer window. Although Arsenal landed marquee signing Bruno Guimaraes and brought in Christos Tzolis to replace Leandro Trossard, they missed out on Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers.
It has been claimed that Arsenal have turned their attention to Osimhen with the prospects of signing Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez diminishing.
However, a switch for the 27-year-old may not be straightforward either, as the Galatasaray president is said to have privately reiterated that Osimhen is not for sale.
343 Digital report that Ozbek told insiders: “I will not say ‘yes’ to any transaction that will harm Galatasaray or not benefit Galatasaray. What I said about Baris Alper Yilmaz, I am now saying even more strongly about Osimhen. No matter how much the price is, I am not selling Osimhen."
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It is little surprise that the Istanbul chief wants to keep the striker within their ranks after netting 22 goals in all competitions last season. Osimhen fired 15 league goals in Galatasaray's title-winning campaign and the 27-year-old made a crucial contribution in their league opener this weekend.
The forward netted a brace, including a stoppage-time equaliser, in the draw with Corum FK. He remained coy following the opening night draw with last season's playoff winners when asked about his future.
He said: "There are always rumours in transfer seasons. I will take care of my business. I am focused on my job, then we will see and think further."
Arsenal could be forced to pay a similar fee to Galatasaray and what the Turkish giants paid Napoli for Osimhen's services. They stumped up around €70million (£58m) for his services.
Reports in France have claimed that the Gunners could pay a minimum £58m, as Foot Mercato suggested earlier this week that Arsenal are still confident that they can sign him before the window closes.
Osimhen has made no secret of his ambition to play in the Premier League, when the likes of Chelsea were swirling for his signature in 2023. The goalscorer said at the time: "I think playing in one of the top five leagues in the world is an amazing feeling for me.
"A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League as the best and the strongest league but now I'm in one of the best leagues in the world which is the Italian Serie A.
"I'm working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League some day but like I said, it's a process and I just want to keep on this momentum and continue to do well."
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