EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal hold talks over Victor Osimhen move as striker set to turn down new Napoli deal

Steve Kay

Updated: 29 Aug 2023 11:52 BST
3 min read

Arsenal held initial talks last week over signing Victor Osimhen next summer, FootballTransfers has learned.

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We are informed that Arsenal sporting director Edu Gaspar contacted the owner of the Serie A club, Aurelio De Laurentiis, to ask about the availability of the player, having been given encouragement by the 24-year-old's agent, Roberto Calenda.

We understand that the club wish to bring in a world-class No.9 in 2024. The Gunners's squad last season shared the goals throughout, with Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka all scoring 15 each, while Gabriel Jesus, who contended with a serious injury, managed 11. Eddie Nketiah and Granit Xhaka scored nine a piece, the latter of whom departed to Bayer Leverkusen this window.

Arsenal want to continue their title challenges against Manchester City in the years to come and believe that the only way to do that is by bringing in a further striker to ensure that a reliable number of goals are scored throughout all the competitions they play in.

© ProShots - Osimhen is one of the world's best forwards

We are told that Osimhen, whose contract is up at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium in 2025, is not believed to be wanting to sign fresh terms with his current employers.

Oshimen set for Napoli stay this year

Osimhen - who FootballTransfers’ Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) ranks at €76.2m - was set for a Premier League move this window, with the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea reportedly keen.

But he has remained at Napoli, where there are rumours that the clubs in the Saudi Pro League are after his signature.

Speaking to CentreGoals, Osimhen admitted that he had before been in touch with Arsenal over a possible move, when he was a youngster. He said: "I spoke with Arsene Wenger and he wanted me to come to Arsenal but it was not the best option at the time."

Osimhen scored his 100th club goal last weekend in Napoli’s 2-0 win over Sassuolo in Serie A. The Nigerian has netted 62 goals in 103 matches for the Italian side, with a career-best of 31 goals in 39 games last term.