Arsenal could get even stronger after starting off their Premier League title defence in superb fashion
Galatasaray have made an approach for a new striker as Victor Osimhen continues to be linked with Arsenal
Galatasaray have made an approach for a new striker as Victor Osimhen continues to be linked with Arsenal(Image: (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images))
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Arsenal kicked off their Premier League campaign in impressive fashion with a 3-0 victory over Coventry City on Friday night. The champions comfortably saw off the newly-promoted outfit at the Emirates Stadium as they launched their title defence.
Mikel Arteta's team looked assured in attack, with Kai Havertz spearheading the line ahead of Victor Gyokeres. The German repaid Arteta's faith in starting him by breaking the deadlock 15 minutes into the game. The German's effort was complemented by strikes from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Despite this, the Gunners' attacking prowess hasn't deterred them from strengthening their forward options. Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez remains high on Arteta's wishlist, even though the Argentine forward has expressed his preference to move to Barcelona.
Nevertheless, Arsenal are refusing to abandon their pursuit of the 26-year-old and have reportedly submitted a final offer to persuade him to make the switch. Meanwhile, the north London club are believed to have initiated discussions with an established European striker.
Osimhen talks held
Arsenal have entered into negotiations with Galatasaray regarding Victor Osimhen, according to Foot Mercato. The striker's name had previously surfaced during talks when the Turkish club attempted to secure the signatures of Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli.
The Nigeria international has been a resounding success in Turkey, having guided the club to consecutive league titles. Nevertheless, the future of the 27-year-old remains uncertain, with Tottenham also said to be keeping tabs on the former Napoli talisman.
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The French outlet suggests that Osimhen's current salary of £17.1m would prove a stumbling block in any potential deal, requiring the striker to take a considerable reduction in wages.
Desperate
Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring during the Copa Del Rey Semi-Final First Leg against FC Barcelona
Julian Alvarez has long been a key target for Arsenal this summer(Image: Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
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Julian Alvarez has been transparent about his reluctance to return to England, having departed Manchester City in 2024 for Barcelona. However, the Argentine's position isn't dissuading Arsenal from making a last-ditch effort to sign him, according to SPORT.
The Spanish publication reports that Atletico would rather their striker joined Arsenal than their La Liga competitors, with the Gunners willing to offer Victor Gyokeres plus €80million (£68m) for Alvarez.
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Reports also indicate that the north London club are prepared to offer the Argentina international an annual salary of €25m (£21m), which would make him one of their highest-earning players. The remarkable figure would reportedly see Alvarez double his current wages.