Arsenal plot Victor Osimhen deal: 2 Gunners become key factors in Galatasaray talks

Arsenal have discussed a possible deal for Victor Osimhen with Galatasaray, opening a new route for the Nigeria striker to move to the Premier League this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

The discussions, according to The Telegraph, took place while Arsenal and Galatasaray were already talking about two Arsenal players, Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.

There is no indication yet that Arsenal have made a formal offer for Nigeria’s most valuable striker Osimhen, or that Galatasaray have agreed to sell him. The talks show, however, that the 27-year-old striker’s future is being discussed at the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal search for more attacking power. Galatasaray have already reportedly rejected a verbal €130 million offer from Al Hilal for Osimhen.

Arsenal won the Premier League last season and reached the Champions League final, but Mikel Arteta’s side are still looking for more goals from their attack.

Martinelli could help open the door

The first Arsenal player at the centre of the discussions is Gabriel Martinelli.

Galatasaray have made a bid of about £38m for the Brazil international, according to reports from The Times and The Guardian. Martinelli joined Arsenal from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019 and has developed into a regular Brazil international. He has scored 62 goals in 278 appearances for Arsenal.

However, his position at Arsenal has become less certain after a difficult Premier League campaign. He scored only once in 30 league appearances last season, although his European record was much stronger.

Galatasaray’s interest is therefore important to the Osimhen talks because Arsenal could use Martinelli’s proposed sale to raise money for another major attacking signing.

Nwaneri is the other Arsenal player involved

The second player is Ethan Nwaneri, one of Arsenal’s most highly rated young players. The 19-year-old came through Arsenal’s academy at Hale End and became the youngest player in the club’s history to appear in the Premier League when he made his debut as a 15-year-old in 2022.

Galatasaray have also shown interest in Nwaneri, meaning Arsenal’s discussions with the Turkish club are not limited to Martinelli. Nwaneri’s situation is particularly interesting because Arsenal could demand a substantial fee for an academy graduate.

What is not yet clear is whether Arsenal plans to include both Martinelli and Nwaneri in an Osimhen deal. The reports do not say that Arsenal have offered them as part of a swap. Their names have simply been part of the wider discussions between the clubs.

However, including Martinelli and Nwaneri in a players-plus-cash deal could convince Galatasaray to part with their prized Nigerian asset.

Osimhen has already made his Premier League feelings clear

A move to England would fit a long-standing ambition for Osimhen, even if Galatasaray insist he is not for sale. In March 2023, while playing for Napoli, he said he was working towards his dream of playing in the Premier League. Sky Sports reported that the Nigerian described England’s top division as a competition he wanted to experience one day.

He gave a similar answer in January 2024 when asked directly about playing in England.

“Of course one day, definitely,” Osimhen said, while adding that he had other plans at that point in his career.

The striker has also shown that he has long considered Chelsea and Manchester United among the clubs he follows. In a 2023 interview, he said he owned shirts from both clubs, although he stressed that he did not have a favourite Premier League team. That history makes a move to England more than a new idea for the Nigerian.

Tottenham and Manchester United could still enter the race

Arsenal are not the only Premier League club with a route to Osimhen. Tottenham Hotspur have already made an enquiry about the Nigerian this summer. Spurs are looking for attacking reinforcements and have also considered Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo.

Manchester United have also been linked with Osimhen for several transfer windows. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand has repeatedly called for his old club to sign the Nigerian, while reports in March said United were preparing to consider a move.

Chelsea are another possible destination because of their long history with the striker. The London club came close to signing Osimhen from Napoli in 2024, but the deal collapsed over salary terms. Sky Sports reported at the time that Osimhen was open to moving to Chelsea and wanted Champions League football.

Arsenal therefore face competition, but the latest talks give them a direct line to the club that owns Osimhen’s contract.