Arsenal are “back on the trail” of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to the Corriere Dello Sport.
The Italian newspaper reports that the Gunners are “thinking” about making a move for the Nigerian international before the transfer window closes next week.
Osimhen is keen on leaving Napoli but his asking price has prevented interested clubs from pursuing his signature up until now.
At the start of the summer, his team were holding out for his €130m (£111m) release clause and, while they have climbed down on the price since then, the Corriere Dello Sport say he could still cost €100m (£85m).
A Premier League rival have been trying to sign Osimhen
Chelsea have been in talks with Napoli and the player for several weeks but it is believed that they are only willing to make a move if it is a loan deal.
Osimhen is said to be only interested in a permanent transfer or, at least, a loan with an obligation to buy, so a switch to Stamford Bridge is unlikely unless he changes his stance between now and deadline day.
Can Arsenal afford the player?
Any bid for Osimhen is expected to be dependent on offloading Eddie Nketiah. Nottingham Forest are the team likeliest to sign the 25-year-old but the Gunners want around £30m.
If Nketiah is sold, it could then partially fund an approach for Osimhen, although you would still think that a compromise would need to be found with Napoli if they maintain their current valuation.
There are set to be plenty of comings and goings right up until the August 30th deadline. In addition to Osimhen, Mikel Arteta’s side are hoping to bring in both Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino and Espanyol’s Joan Garcia.
Aaron Ramsdale could also potentially follow Nketiah out of the Emirates if a buyer can be found in time.
