English Premier League
Rumour Mills: Arsenal set to approach Napoli for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen
Arsenal is poised to approach Serie A club Napoli regarding a potential move for highly-rated Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, according to Nigeriafootball.ng.
The 25-year-old has attracted significant interest from the Gunners as they seek a top-class striker ahead of the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting contact will be established in the coming days.
Osimhen, widely regarded as one of the best strikers globally in recent years, was already a promising talent during his stints with VfL Wolfsburg and LOSC Lille. Since joining Napoli in September 2020, he has elevated his performances, cementing his status as one of Serie A’s finest players.
The Nigerian international played a crucial role in ending Napoli’s over three-decade-long wait for the Serie A title during the 2022/23 campaign.
However, the team’s performance dipped in the 2023/24 season, with Osimhen managing 17 goals and four assists in 32 appearances across all competitions.
Despite a challenging season, Osimhen is reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League. While clubs from other leagues, including Paris Saint-Germain, are also interested, Arsenal appears to be a frontrunner for his signature.
The Gunners are in the market for a prolific striker due to Gabriel Jesus’s inconsistent productivity and Eddie Nketiah’s fluctuating form, which has led to speculation that Nketiah may leave the club soon.
The main obstacle for Arsenal will be triggering Osimhen’s hefty release clause, which could pose a significant financial challenge.
However, the London club is expected to begin negotiations shortly, with hopes of persuading Napoli to lower their asking price for the 25-year-old striker.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal can successfully secure Osimhen’s transfer and bolster their attacking options for the upcoming season.
