Arsenal have reportedly held talks with Galatasaray over the possibility of signing striker Victor Osimhen. The Turkish club initiated discussions over Arsenal duo Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, but Osimhen has also been raised, with a stunning swap deal now a consideration.
Gunners search for a world-class forward
The Gunners have been on the lookout for a world-class forward in the summer transfer window and previously enquired about Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian ended up signing a new contract with Real, while fellow target Julian Alvarez is proving difficult to land.
Alvarez is valued at over £100million by Atletico Madrid and is also of interest to Barcelona, forcing Arsenal to look elsewhere. Now an intriguing option has emerged during sporting director Andrea Berta's discussions with Galatasaray over two possible sales.
Martinelli and Nwaneri in Galatasaray's sights
Martinelli and Nwaneri are among the players Mikel Arteta is willing to offload this summer and Galatasaray are interested in both. According to The Telegraph, the Turkish giants have offered £38.4m for Martinelli and are also exploring a move for Nwaneri, who spent last season on loan with Marseille.
During these talks, it is reported that a move for Osimhen to Arsenal was proposed. The 27-year-old Nigeria international has been one of Europe's most prolific goalscorers in recent years and has consistently been linked with a move to the Premier League, including to Tottenham this summer.
Osimhen's record and contract
He only joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli last summer for €75m (£64m) following a successful loan spell. Osimhen has 59 goals and 16 assists in 74 appearances for the club and is under contract until June 2029.
Martinelli appears poised to leave Arsenal after seven years, 62 goals and 278 appearances at the club. He has entered the final year of his contract and has been made available for a transfer alongside Gabriel Jesus, who is of interest to Napoli.
Arteta on squad improvements
Leandro Trossard (Besiktas), Jakub Kiwior (Porto), Karl Hein (Werder Bremen) and Christian Norgaard (Everton) are the only players have left the defending Premier League champions for transfer fees this summer. And Arteta knows the importance of sales to help free up funds and space in the squad for new additions.
“There is more that we want to do, because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth, we need to do that,” Arteta said after the 1-1 draw with Como on Wednesday. “We’re actively trying to do so – the thing is, in the market, it doesn’t just depend on you, and we’re very clear on that.
“The will and the desire of the club is unquestionable, but we cannot promise that we’re going to do it because it doesn’t only depend on us.”
He added: “For the margins to improve, there are very few players in the market that are available to do that and bring more quality to the club,. But again, we’re actively looking to improve that and we’re going to try.”
