Arsenal make 'official contact' to sign Victor Osimhen

Cameron Smith

• 28 Feb 2025 03:45 CST
• 3 min read

Arsenal have reportedly made “official contact” with Victor Osimhen’s representatives as they look to finalise an agreement to sign the Nigeria superstar this summer.

Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli on a permanent deal once his loan spell at Galatasaray ends, and multiple top European clubs are interested in triggering his €75 million release clause.

Chelsea were on the verge of completing a deal for the 26-year-old last summer, while Manchester United have identified Osimhen as their priority transfer target amid Ruben Amorim’s push to bring a new striker to Old Trafford.

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However, Arsenal have now rejoined the race to sign the Nigeria international as the Gunners scour the globe for their next big-money signing.

FootballTransfers understands that Benjamin Sesko remains a key target for Mikel Arteta’s side, while we have been informed that Arsenal could submit a summer offer for Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins after failing with a late January bid.

Newcastle United superstar Alexander Isak is also being monitored, although the Sweden international is expected to cost a Premier League record transfer fee if he leaves St James’ Park in 2025.

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Victor Osimhen to Arsenal?

Man Utd have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Osimhen over the past few weeks, with a swap deal involving Rasmus Hojlund touted as a potential option given Napoli’s interest in the Denmark international.

However, Arsenal officially made contact with Osimhen’s camp last week, according to Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba.

The Gunners are willing to trigger his €75m release clause in order to complete a deal and they are reportedly planning on signing one of Sesko or Osimhen during the 2025 summer transfer window.

Osimhen has scored 20 goals and provided five assists in 27 appearances across all competitions for Galatasaray so far this season, while his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €67.2m.