Arsenal get Osimhen edge over Chelsea thanks to unexpected source

Robin Bairner

• 18 Dec 2023 04:59 CST
• 3 min read

Arsenal have been given news that could give them an edge over Chelsea when it comes to the race for Victor Osimhen.

The Napoli striker has been linked to both Premier League giants, with the two London clubs both seeking additional firepower.

While there is a desire to bolster their attacks during the January transfer window, both Arsenal and Chelsea may be prepared to wait until the summer to land Osimhen if they believe a deal is possible.

FootballTransfers understands that Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic is the Gunners’ primary target in January, with Osimhen looking unattainable at present as Napoli resist selling.

But the position of Mikel Arteta’s side has been aided by the Serie A champions’ interest in a deal for defender Jakub Kiwior.

Il Mattino reports that Napoli are keen on a permanent transfer for the Poland international in January.

While it may be possible to throw the defender into a part-exchange deal for Osimhen, what is far likelier is that the Gunners use this as a chance to improve their relationship with the Italian side, potentially smoothing a passage for what might be to come in six- or 18-months’ time.

Will Napoli sell Osimhen?

Napoli have no intention of selling Osimhen during the January transfer window, Fabrizio Romano reported last week.

Instead, their plan is to have the striker extend his contract by a year in order to retain his market value. Currently, his deal is up in 2025, which means that Napoli do not have great bargaining power over his future.

By extending his deal until 2026, Napoli will also insert a release clause worth around €130-140m that they hope will be triggered to allow the club to achieve a record sale.

Arsenal and Chelsea must therefore consider whether they should sign in January or wait it out to move for Osimhen in the summer, when Manchester United might also be actively looking for a world-class forward.