Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has reportedly made clear that Arsenal target Victor Osimhen is not for sale. Mikel Arteta is said to be determined to bring the 27-year-old striker to north London as part of plans to defend their Premier League title.
However, claims suggest Ozbek has told his insiders that the Nigerian is not for sale under any circumstances. Osimhen helped Galatasaray to more league success last season and scored a brace, including a stoppage-time equaliser, as they salvaged a point on the opening day against newly-promoted opposition.
Arsenal's transfer pursuit
Arsenal secured marquee signing Bruno Guimaraes and recruited Christos Tzolis as a replacement for Leandro Trossard, but they fell short in their pursuit of both Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers.
It has been suggested that Arsenal have shifted their focus towards Osimhen as hopes of landing Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez continue to fade. Yet a deal for the 27-year-old may prove equally complicated, with the Galatasaray president reportedly reiterating behind closed doors that Osimhen remains firmly off the market.
Ozbek's stance
343 Digital report that Ozbek told insiders: "I will not say 'yes' to any transaction that will harm Galatasaray or not benefit Galatasaray. What I said about Baris Alper Yilmaz, I am now saying even more strongly about Osimhen. No matter how much the price is, I am not selling Osimhen."
It comes as little shock that the Istanbul club are keen to retain the striker following his impressive haul of 22 goals across all competitions last season. Osimhen bagged 15 league goals during Galatasaray's title-winning campaign, and the 27-year-old made an immediate impact in their opening league fixture at the weekend.
Osimhen's impact and future
The forward struck twice, including a last-gasp equaliser, in the draw with Corum FK. He remained tight-lipped about his future following the opening-night draw against last season's play-off winners.
He said: "There are always rumours in transfer seasons. I will take care of my business. I am focused on my job, then we will see and think further."
Arsenal could find themselves having to match the fee Galatasaray paid Napoli to secure Osimhen's signature. The Turkish giants shelled out around €70million (£58m) for his services. French reports have suggested the Gunners may need to part with a minimum of £58m, with Foot Mercato claiming earlier this week that Arsenal remain confident of getting a deal over the line before the window shuts.
Osimhen has never hidden his desire to test himself in the Premier League, with the likes of Chelsea circling for his signature back in 2023. The prolific striker said at the time: "I think playing in one of the top five leagues in the world is an amazing feeling for me."
"A lot of people worldwide consider the Premier League as the best and the strongest league but now I'm in one of the best leagues in the world which is the Italian Serie A. I'm working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League some day but like I said, it's a process and I just want to keep on this momentum and continue to do well."
