Arsene Wenger have a long list of players which almost joined Arsenal during his tenure in North London, and according to Lille’s rising star Victor Osimhen – he was one of em’.
Osimhen has excelled for Lille during his debut campaign in Ligue 1 finding himself on score sheets eighteen times in 38 appearances in all competitions before footballing activities in France were suspended due to global health crisis.
After impressive performances in Under 17 World Cup for Nigeria, Wolfsburg brought Osimhen to Europe in January 2016, as Osimhen finished as the top scorer as Nigeria won their fifth Under-17 World Cup title in 2015. With ten goals in bag saw Osimhen clinch the Golden Boot and Silver Ball in Chile.
Host of clubs (including Arsenal) tried to get him into their ranks, but Osimhen says he felt a move to Germany was better for his development amid attempts from Arsene Wenger.
‘I spoke with Arsene Wenger after the tournament ended and he wanted me to come to Arsenal,’ Osimhen told the Independent.
‘I had a lot of options. Barcelona, Inter Milan, Atletico Madrid, Juventus and the rest.’
‘Arsenal was a good option but it wasn’t the best at the time. I wanted to start playing as soon as I turned 18.
‘I wanted to go to a place where I had time to invest in my game and improve physically. Wolfsburg showed me that possibility.’
Despite rejecting Arsenal initially, Osimhen still has a goal to play in the Premier League as the Nigerian speaks with Manchester United ace Odion Ighalo on daily basis.
‘Of course, one day I’d like to play for a big club in England,’ Osimhen continued speaking about a potential move to England further in his career.
‘I’ve spoken to Odion [Ighalo] about it. He gave me very good advice, he’s a legend and a big brother. My goal is to play at one of the biggest clubs in the world but now I’m very happy in Lille.
‘My priority is to play a lot of games. Signing for a big club and being on the bench is not exciting for me.’
