Arsenal remain hopeful of signing Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen before the summer transfer window closes as Mikel Arteta wants to add another quality attacking option to his squad and heavily admires the Super Eagles striker.
However, the Gunners have informed Osimhen that he must lower his substantial salary demands if he wants to complete a move to the Premier League champions.
Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez was also high on Arsenal’s shortlist. However, Los Rojiblancos are refusing to sell, and Alvarez favours a potential move to Barcelona over returning to the Premier League. With Alvarez out of reach, the Gunners have focused their efforts on securing Osimhen. However, any potential agreement hinges entirely on the 27-year-old’s financial expectations.
Arsenal have held direct talks over a deal for Osimhen, but negotiations have hit a clear stumbling block. According to FootMercato, the Gunners have no intention of making an unreasonable contract offer to the forward.
The North London club are unwilling to match Osimhen’s current contract in Istanbul. Galatasaray currently pay the striker in excess of €20 million (£17.1m) per year. Osimhen now faces a crucial decision. He must choose whether to accept a lower financial package from Arsenal or remain with Galatasaray.
Securing a deal could prove difficult, as Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek remains adamant that Osimhen will not be sold under any circumstances this summer. The Turkish club recently demonstrated their resolve by rejecting a massive €130m (£111m) bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal earlier this month.
Victor Osimhen
Having failed to land Osimhen, Al-Hilal turned their attention to Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins. However, Villa quickly rejected their latest £45m approach.
