Arsenal v Tottenham for Victor Osimhen: Which club needs the Nigerian star more?

The Victor Osimhen transfer race has a clear question: who needs the Nigeria striker more, Arsenal or Tottenham Hotspur?

Arsenal have been linked with Osimhen in recent weeks. Reports say talks with Galatasaray have included a possible deal involving Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri. Arsenal are also considering other attacking targets, but Osimhen is back on their list.

The case for Arsenal is easy to understand. Mikel Arteta’s team won the 2025-26 Premier League title with 85 points, finishing seven points ahead of Manchester City. Arsenal lifted the trophy after beating Crystal Palace 2-1 at Selhurst Park on the final day. Last week, the Gunners had little trouble dismantling Manchester City to secure the Community Shield.

Yet the champions already have options at centre-forward. Arteta can unleash Swedish forward Viktor Gyökeres, Germany international Kai Havertz and Brazil’s Gabriel Jesus in that position. Gyökeres is valued at €65 million and Havertz at €55 million. Gyökeres scored 21 goals in his first Arsenal season, according to reports, while Havertz offers another option when fit.

Still, Barcelona-linked Osimhen would add a different level of threat. His pace, movement and power could give Arsenal another way to attack teams that defend deep. He could also create serious competition for the No. 9 role. That makes Osimhen a luxury and a weapon for Arsenal, rather than an urgent repair job.

Spurs need Osimhen’s goals more

Tottenham’s case is much stronger. Spurs finished 17th last season with 41 points after winning 10, drawing 11 and losing 17 of their 38 league matches. They scored 48 goals and conceded 57. Their survival was confirmed on the final day with a 1-0 win over Everton.

That explains why Roberto De Zerbi is pushing for more attacking options. Tottenham have already spent heavily this summer, including moves for Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Jan Paul van Hecke. They are also in talks for Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and Savinho.

The club’s current forward group includes Dominic Solanke, Richarlison and Mathys Tel. Tottenham’s official tour squad also listed Dane Scarlett and Manor Solomon among their attacking options. Richarlison led Spurs in Premier League goals last season with 11. That figure tells its own story.

Tottenham reportedly approached Galatasaray with an offer of £50m to £55m in early August, while the Turkish club wanted about £65m. Osimhen was viewed as a statement signing for De Zerbi’s rebuild.

There is also a major change in the two clubs’ situations. Arsenal are trying to protect a title-winning team while aiming for the Champions League crown. Tottenham, meanwhile, are only trying to move from 17th place towards European football.

If the question is which team would benefit most from Osimhen, the answer is Tottenham. However, if the question is which team could use him better, Arsenal have the stronger platform around him.