**Arsenal’s reported pursuit of Victor Osimhen has been dealt a significant reality check, with The Athletic revealing there are currently no active negotiations with Galatasaray over the striker.**
The two clubs have been in contact during the closing weeks of the summer transfer window, but those discussions are understood to centre principally on Gabriel Martinelli.
Osimhen’s name had previously emerged during talks between Arsenal and the Turkish champions, leading to speculation that Andrea Berta could explore a blockbuster deal for the Nigeria international. Earlier reports stated his availability had been raised while the clubs discussed Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
The latest update, however, significantly changes the picture.
The Athletic reports that while Arsenal and Galatasaray have been in dialogue regarding several players, **there are currently no active negotiations over an Osimhen transfer**.
That is an important distinction.
[ReadArsenal reported on Monday that Mikel Arteta’s comments had already complicated Arsenal’s apparent route towards Osimhen](https://readarsenal.com/2026/08/17/victor-osimhen-arsenal-transfer-arteta-nwaneri-martinelli-twist/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), after the manager played down the significance of Martinelli and Nwaneri being omitted from the Community Shield squad.
The latest Athletic information now goes further by indicating that discussions over the striker have not progressed into an active negotiation.
Martinelli remains the more concrete subject between the clubs.
Galatasaray have previously made a verbal offer worth around **£38.4million** for the Brazilian, although he has told Arsenal he is not currently interested in moving to Turkey.
That stance could yet change before the window closes, but it means two separate issues should now be treated carefully.
Galatasaray’s interest in Martinelli is genuine.
An Arsenal move for Osimhen, at this stage, is **not actively being negotiated**.
That does not completely rule out Arsenal returning to the 27-year-old before deadline day, particularly if significant attacking departures create room in Arteta’s squad.
For now, though, one of the summer’s biggest Arsenal transfer rumours has received a substantial dose of cold water.