Osimhen rejects record Al Hilal offer as Arsenal and Tottenham transfer battle continues

Victor Osimhen has rejected a proposed contract from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal that would have made him the highest-paid African footballer in the world, with the Galatasaray striker still understood to favour a move to the Premier League.

The offer, reported by Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu and confirmed by Le Marca Sports, included a €150m transfer fee for Galatasaray and a salary of €50m per year for Osimhen. Had the deal gone through, both figures would have set major landmarks: the fee would have made the Nigeria international the most expensive African signing in football history, while the salary would have taken him beyond former Manchester City forward Riyad Mahrez as Africa’s leading earner.

Osimhen is reported to earn about €21m a year at Galatasaray, including bonuses, tax arrangements and brand rights. The proposal from Al Hilal would therefore have more than doubled his current package, but he chose not to accept it.

Al Hilal president Prince Nawaf Bin Saad is said to have made the offer, while Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek remains determined to keep the striker in Istanbul.

Mahrez had been the highest-paid African player in world football until last month, when Al-Ahli confirmed his departure after three seasons in Saudi Arabia. The Algeria international had reportedly been earning around €52.2m annually.

Osimhen’s decision suggests his next move will be influenced by sporting ambitions as well as financial considerations. The 27-year-old has spent the past two seasons in Turkey after moving to Galatasaray from Napoli, where he developed into one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.

During his time in Istanbul, Osimhen helped Galatasaray win major domestic honours and strengthened his reputation as an elite centre-forward. He has also been linked with Barcelona, but England remains his preferred destination, according to reports.

Tottenham Hotspur joined the race in early August. Spurs are understood to have made an initial offer of between £50m and £55m, although Galatasaray value Osimhen closer to £65m.

Arsenal’s interest has also intensified. The Gunners have discussed several players with Galatasaray, including Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli, and Osimhen’s possible availability has formed part of those conversations.

Arsenal have added attacking options but are still considering another striker. Viktor Gyokeres scored 21 goals last season, yet manager Mikel Arteta reportedly wants greater depth as his side prepares to defend its Premier League title.

For Tottenham, the need for attacking reinforcements is particularly pressing. Spurs finished 17th in the 2025-26 Premier League season and avoided relegation only after a 1-0 home victory over Everton on the final day. Their recruitment plans have since centred on providing Roberto De Zerbi with more attacking quality.

However, Sabuncuoglu has cautioned that Osimhen’s rejection of the Al Hilal proposal does not automatically mean he will remain with Galatasaray.

The transfer situation therefore remains unresolved. Galatasaray want to retain their star forward, while Arsenal and Tottenham can offer the opportunity to play in the Premier League a challenge that the Saudi Arabian proposal could not provide.

Osimhen’s next decision may ultimately depend less on the size of the contract and more on where he wants to continue his career.