Al-Hilal have seen a second offer rejected (Picture: Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Galatasaray have turned down a staggering offer from Saudi Arabia for Arsenal transfer target Victor Osimhen.
The Gunners are intent on making further additions to their title-winning squad before the summer transfer window closes.
Despite efforts from Mikel Arteta, Arsenal look set to miss out on Julian Alvarez who remains determined to join Barcelona if he is to leave Atletico Madrid this summer.
Last week, Osimhen emerged as another option on Arsenal’s radar. The Nigeria international has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, admired by Manchester United over the years having come close to joining Chelsea in 2024.
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The 27-year-old has just begun his third season in Turkey with Arsenal enquiring into his availability during talks with Galatasaray over possible moves for Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal’s interest is not thought to have progressed any further at this stage with Saudi side Al-Hilal making the biggest move for the striker so far.
The Saudi side have already made a verbal offer of €130million (£112m), ready to pay Osimhen an astronomical €50m (£42.7m) a year. Galatasaray responded by telling Al-Hilal they have no intention of selling their prized asset, but the Saudi side remain undeterred.
Galatasaray SK v Fenerbahce SK - Trendyol Süper Lig
Arsenal held talks over a move last week (Picture: Seskim Photo/MB Media/Getty Images)
According to Türkiye Gazetesi, Al-Hilal have now increased their offer to a huge €150m (£128m). Gala president Dursan Ozebek however has ‘categorically rejected’ the offer, once again informing the Saudi club they are not interested in selling.
The report adds that Osimhen has indicated money is not a priority for him when it comes to deciding his future.
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Reports elsewhere in Turkey have suggested Osimhen would be open to a move to Arsenal.
Osimhen has long been linked withamove to the Premier League (Picture: Burak Basturk / Middle East Images / AFP via Getty Images)
In an exclusive interview with Metro last year, John Obi Mikel claimed Osimhen was keen to join a club capable of winning the Champions League and advised him against a move to the Saudi Pro League.
[Alamy Live News. 3F9N9FT Mikel Arteta, the head coach/manager of Arsenal celebrates after his team win the FA Community shield. FA Community shield 2026, Arsenal v Manchester City at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday 16th August 2026. pic by Andrew Orchard/Andrew Orchard sports photography/ Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.
Alamy Live News. 3F9N9FT Mikel Arteta, the head coach/manager of Arsenal celebrates after his team win the FA Community shield. FA Community shield 2026, Arsenal v Manchester City at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday 16th August 2026. pic by Andrew Orchard/Andrew Orchard sports photography/ Alamy Live News This is an Alamy Live News image and may not be part of your current Alamy deal . If you are unsure, please contact our sales team to check.](https://metro.co.uk/2026/08/18/mikel-arteta-personally-contacts-130m-star-convince-join-arsenal-29403972/)
‘I think we want to see him in the Champions League so maybe Arsenal might be the destination. Maybe there is a door open there for Victor,’ said Obi Mikel, who was involved in Chelsea’s failed bid to sign Osimhen two years ago.
‘I’ve had a few conversations with him. I won’t say much about what those conversations were but he is working to make sure he ends up at a top, top European league where he can showcase his talent and compete to win the Champions League.’
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EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Kieran McManus/Shutterstock (17070166by) Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal celebrates with the Community Shield Arsenal v Manchester City, FA Community Shield, Football, Principality Stadium, Cardiff, Wales, UK - 16 Aug 2026