Arsenal are “unlikely” to make a bid for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to Football.London.
There have been reports that the Gunners could potentially make a bid for the Nigerian international but the website says any move for the player isn’t imminent.
Most fans on X are disappointed that Mikel Arteta’s side are not actively pursuing Osimhen, with many feeling he is the right target after the club lost out on Benjamin Sesko:
What a surprise. Incapable of signing for the position that we need. Edu is awful at his job
— pp (@thehorseAFC) June 18, 2024
The biggest summer for long. And Arsenal goes in without a plan. Next year they need to win PL or CL if not , its a fail. Its time to challenge , sign world class .
— Gunners86 (@JoakimSandell) June 18, 2024
Osimhen is in the mud. No one is going to pay that ridiculous fee.
— RED🔴 (@LoRd_HIGHbury) June 18, 2024
Don't need any ITK or experts to tell me that. Arsenal are not interested in him. I don't know how many interviews Edu has to do about how they also profile players not just on playing skills, but whether they fit the culture before people listen.
— LjB (@AFCLjB) June 18, 2024
It’s better will go for Oshimen
— ABUCHI🌟 (@iamcoolex) June 18, 2024
Victor Osihmen will give Arsenal the Premier League go for him
— DSI (@IbidunniDoyin2) June 18, 2024
Osimhen is too expensive
It has been claimed that Arsenal are only willing to pay €75m (£63m) for the 24-year-old, which is substantially below the forward’s €120m (£101m) to €130m (£110m) release clause.
There is some hope that Napoli will lower their demands for Osimhen before the end of the summer but, for the time being, the finances of the deal simply don’t add up for the Gunners.
His quality is not in question, though. Speaking about the Nigerian last year, Chelsea legend Gianfranco Zola said:
“He’s a very complete player. He’s got a good reference going forward, he can link up play and he’s devastating in the air. He’s a pest to defenders.”
Who could Arsenal sign instead?
At the moment, it appears the club have gone off the idea of signing a new no.9, having been snubbed by Sesko. It is believed a holding midfield player is now the top priority.
With Declan Rice having performed well playing slightly further up the match in the No.8 position, it is believed that the club now want an alternative who can potentially replace Thomas Partey.
The Ghanaian international has a year left on his contract and he has been heavily linked with a transfer to Saudi Arabia.
Find out more about Arsenal’s transfer plans by watching the Chris Wheatley Show on Shots! here
