Victor Osimhen has hinted he is open to joining Arsenal this summer, but Galatasaray have made clear they will not sell the striker. The 27-year-old Nigeria international only joined the Turkish club permanently from Napoli last summer after a season on loan in Istanbul.
Osimhen's Comments on Transfer Rumours
Speaking after scoring twice in Galatasaray's 2-2 home draw with Corum FK in their season opener, Osimhen refused to rule out a Premier League move. "There are always rumours in transfer seasons," he told reporters in Turkey. "I will take care of my business. I am focused on my job, then we will see and think further."
Arsenal are looking to add firepower and have been linked with Osimhen as a potential signing. His name is said to have come up in talks when Galatasaray approached the Gunners about Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
Galatasaray's Firm Stance
However, reports from Turkish outlet 343 Digital claim the Galatasaray president has drawn a line in the sand and will refuse any approaches for the player. He is reported to have told club executives: "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."
Galatasaray rejected a £111m bid from Al Hilal for Osimhen earlier this summer.
Arsenal's Transfer Plans
Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres for £64m last summer, but his inconsistent form—21 goals in 55 appearances—has left the club seeking an upgrade. They are also keen on Julian Alvarez, though Atletico Madrid are reluctant to sell.
Manager Mikel Arteta said this week: "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 to the squad, we need to do that. We are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market is that it doesn't just depend on you. We are very clear on that. But the approach, the will and the desire of the club, that's unquestionable. We want to try to do that. But we cannot promise that we're going to do it because it doesn't only depend on us."
