Arsenal hope to sign Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray but he must take a pay cut
Full name: Arsenal Football Club Nickname: The Gunners Founded: October 1886 Stadium: Emirates Stadium Owner: Kroenke Sports and Entertainment Co-chairmen: Stan Kroenke, Josh Kroenke Manager: Mikel Arteta League: Premier League Season 2025/26: Champions Website: arsenal.com Arsenal football club is one… Read More about ARSENAL
The summer transfer window is reaching its final days as the current English champions search for a world-class striker. The latest transfer news links Arsenal with Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen as a long-term target. However, financial hurdles have complicated the deal.
Victor Osimhen must make huge wage sacrifice
The Gunners have identified the Nigerian forward as a key target for this summer. However, the deal has faced a major roadblock. At present, Galatasaray pay the forward an annual net salary of more than €20m, which is around £17.1m. That large package amounts to almost £360,577 per week. However, the London club have set up a very strict wage system.
As reported by Metro, the club have told the striker that he must lower his salary demands to close the deal. The higher-ups in London have no plan of making an inflated contract offer. They don’t want to disrupt their well balanced salary structure. Hence, Arsenal have handed the striker a clear condition.
Victor Osimhen must decide whether he is willing to make a sacrifice to secure his move to the Premier League. The choice rests entirely on the player. He can either keep his high salary or accept a pay cut to pursue a new challenge in English football.
Victor Osimhen in 2025/26, as per FOTMOB:
Competitions Matches Goals Assists
Super Lig 22 15 5
UEFA Champions League 10 7 1
Can Osimhen transform Arsenal’s attack?
Fans and pundits believe that Victor Osimhen could be the key missing piece for the champions. His great physical presence and elite finishing can help the team. In terms of stats, he has kept up a brilliant scoring rate. He scored 26 goals and made 8 assists in 38 matches across all competitions last season. In addition to these numbers, he has elite physical traits. He has the pace, strength and stamina to excel in any top division.
However, buying the Nigerian forward can prove to be an unwise move. Arsenal already have strong offensive options in their squad. Kai Havertz has started the new campaign in fine form, scoring a fine goal during the season opener against Coventry.
Besides that, Arsenal spent heavily to secure Viktor Gyokeres last summer. They also have Gabriel Jesus, which suggests a new striker is not an urgent need. Instead, many argue that Arsenal should focus on bringing in an elite left winger to balance their attack.
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Arsenal Turn to Osimhen After Julian Alvarez Setback
The pursuit for Osimhen started after failed efforts for Julian Alvarez. Arsenal held talks with Atletico Madrid to discuss the Argentine forward. However, Alvarez has no plans of coming back to the Premier League and instead prefers a move to Barcelona. This forced the club to shift their focus to other elite targets, which led to their pursuit of the Nigerian.
Meanwhile, this deal also remains difficult due to the stance of Galatasaray. As reported by GOAL, their president, Dursun Ozbek, remains certain that the striker will not be sold this season. The Turkish club previously showed its firm stance by rejecting a massive €130 million bid from Saudi side Al-Hilal.
If the Gunners want to break their resolve, they must push the player to lower his wages. They must also make an irresistible offer to the Turkish Club. In the end, this huge transfer relies solely on the striker agreeing to a hefty wage cut. Unless Osimhen accepts it, Arsenal could end the talks. The club may instead focus on other key areas to build up their squad.
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