According to top transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal have jumped back into the race to sign Napoli ace Victor Osimhen. The Gunners have decided to have a go after reportedly withdrawing from the race last month.
The 25-year-old’s future in Serie A has been a talking point this summer with several clubs showing strong interest in him. The striker is already wanted by Chelsea and French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
ARSENAL BACK IN THE RACE FOR VICTOR OSIMHEN?
Mikel Arteta’s side were said to be looking for a striker during the start of the ongoing transfer window. However, their interest faded away as they preferred to chase a defender.
With Eddie Nketiah now close to securing a move to Marseille, Arsenal now need to reinforce their attack. Benjamin Sesko was their top target but the Slovenian decided to sign a new contract.
Napoli’s Osimhen was linked soon after as the club decided to target the ‘world-class’ striker. Osimhen didn’t shy away from requesting a transfer this summer. Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis has accepted the fact that the player wants to move.
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He has been left out of the preseason games and was omitted from the squad that faced Modena in the Coppa Italia. The club has already slapped a staggering £111 million price tag on the player’s head amid serious interest from elite clubs.
Chelsea were initially pondering a move but moved out of the race due to financial reasons. PSG have committed themselves to this transfer and they have agreed to pay Osimhen’s wage demands. The transfer fee remains to be sorted out.
Arsenal might not have an issue in securing personal terms with the attacker who is currently on £207,000 per week. But such a huge transfer fee would knock them out completely until and unless Napoli are willing to be flexible in this deal.
Arsenal are keeping their eyes on the Victor Osimhen situation. If an opportunity arises they want to be in the conversation.
— Con Harrison (@ConMarbleHalls) August 8, 2024
Recently, the player’s agent, Antonio Caliendo, expressed his frustration as to why no teams have made a powerful offer. While talking to Le10Sport, he said:
“Today, there is too much negligence, you just have to see how it is managed. He is worth €200 million and now he is forced to stay on the sidelines waiting for I don’t know what.”
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DO ARSENAL HAVE OTHER CHEAPER OPTIONS IN THE MARKET?
The Gunners might have other affordable options on the cards like Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is valued at £60m. The 26-year-old scored 43 goals last season and Arteta’s side will need such consistency upfront.
The Swedish ace has enough experience under his belt since he is regularly present in the starting XI. Meanwhile, Osimhen’s fitness record is not too sweet since he has missed 60 games in the past years for Gli Azzurri.
The manager already dealt with Gabriel Jesus‘s injury worries last season. Kai Havertz has fed them goals when needed but they still need an all-out number nine. After all the fans can see the impact Erling Haaland had after moving to Manchester City.
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Hence, it remains to be seen whether the North London side proposes a concrete offer but for now, PSG seems to be cruising ahead in this race.
