Transfer: Arsenal Join Race to Sign Victor Osimhen

Arsenal are reportedly planning to make a move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen in January, amid Bukayo Saka’s injury setback.

– The Gunners may activate Osimhen’s £66m release clause at Napoli, but will need to negotiate with both Napoli and Galatasaray, where he’s currently on loan.

– Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen has intensified due to Saka’s expected two-month absence, with manager Mikel Arteta acknowledging the significant gap left by the winger’s injury.

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to move for Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen in January, joining Manchester United in the battle to sign the Galatasaray forward following Bukayo Saka’s injury setback.

The Gunners are said to be considering activating Osimhen’s £66m release clause at Napoli, although they will need to negotiate with both the Italian club and Galatasaray, where the 25-year-old is currently on loan.

United had been the frontrunners for Osimhen’s signature, with Spanish outlet Fichajes claiming they’ve already opened talks with his representatives and are prepared to offer £63.3m, despite competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

However, Arsenal’s interest has grown stronger after news that Saka will be sidelined for more than two months due to hamstring surgery. Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged that the winger’s absence leaves a significant gap in his attack.

“He has had a procedure and everything went well, but unfortunately, he will be out for many, many weeks,” Arteta said. “It will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer.”

Osimhen has been in excellent form since joining Galatasaray in September, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in 15 appearances across all competitions. However, the Super Eagles striker recently reiterated his commitment to the Turkish side.

“I will not leave in January, I am at Galatasaray until the end of the season. I do not know what Galatasaray and Napoli are talking about afterwards, but if they come to me, we will talk. Galatasaray is a nice club that I like very much,” Osimhen said after his brace in a 3-2 win over Tottenham.