Arsenal's Osimhen plans revealed after secret Edu meeting

Tom Weber

Updated: 13 Mar 2024 17:50 GMT
4 min read

Victor Osimhen, Arsenal, Napoli, 2023/24 — © IMAGO

Arsenal are still interested in Victor Osimhen, but he could prove too expensive in the summer, according to a report.

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The Napoli striker will be on the move in the summer, but his destination is still not yet clear. While Chelsea have long since been considered the favourites to sign him, their lack of Champions League football and financial wiggle room as well as Osimhen's poor form lately have made a transfer to Stamford Bridge anything but a foregone conclusion.

Man Utd could yet enter the fray should they somehow manage to qualify for Europe's premier competition, while Arsenal are also long-time admirers of the Nigerian. Indeed, the Gunners' interest in Osimhen remains, though other forward targets will likely be prioritised.

FootballTransfers exclusively revealed on Tuesday that Viktor Gyokeres has become the north London side's top target for the summer, while Ivan Toney continues to be linked despite Mikel Arteta's interest reportedly growing cold recently. The Brentford striker certainly didn't help his case with his recent outing against Arsenal.

Osimhen to Arsenal?

All of the above being said, Osimhen remains a viable target for the Gunners, according to journalist Charles Watts. Indeed, Arsenal's interest in the 25-year-old has existed since at least the summer of 2022, when the player's camp met with sporting director Edu. At the time, however, Arsenal were more keen on signing Gabriel Jesus.

“It will be interesting to see whether they move for Victor Osimhen," Watts told CaughtOffside. "He, like Toney, is a player they like and I know that his representatives have visited Arsenal’s training ground for talks with Edu."

“Those talks took place in the summer when Arsenal eventually signed Gabriel Jesus. Jesus was always the priority that year, but Osimhen was definitely a player they viewed as a serious alternative."

“That interest will remain, but the Nigerian could prove to be too costly an option in a summer given Arsenal want to spread their budget around as they look to take the squad to the next level.” Osimhen reportedly has a €130 million release clause in his Napoli contract.