Man United vs Arsenal for Victor Osimhen: Who needs the Super Eagles star more?

Manchester United have joined Arsenal in the race for Victor Osimhen, but the two clubs have different reasons for wanting the Super Eagles striker, Afrik-Foot reports.

Michael Carrick’s United have made an enquiry to Galatasaray about Osimhen, according to Football FanCast. The enquiry gives the 27-year-old Nigeria international another Premier League option after Arsenal opened talks with the Turkish champions.

Arsenal’s interest is further advanced. Reports say talks with Galatasaray have included Osimhen, Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri. The Gunners have also explored other attacking targets, but Atletico Madrid’s valuation of Julian Alvarez at more than £100m has made Osimhen an attractive alternative.

Arsenal are the 2025/26 Premier League champions after winning the title with 85 points, seven clear of Manchester City. They already have Viktor Gyökeres, who scored 20 goals in all competitions by May and played a key role in the title race.

Arsenal need Osimhen, but United may need him more

Arsenal’s case is about taking a strong attack to another level. Gyökeres has proved he can score, while Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus give Mikel Arteta other options. The squad also produced 24 Premier League goals from set pieces during the title-winning campaign.

Osimhen would still add something different. His pace, movement and power would give Arsenal another way to attack deep defences. UEFA’s Champions League statistics also placed him second for attempts on target in 2025/26, with 25.

United’s need is more direct. Their two leading scorers last season were Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko, with 12 goals each in all competitions. Matheus Cunha also reached 10 Premier League goals. Those numbers are useful, but they do not suggest United have a striker who can regularly produce 25 or 30 goals.

Sesko is still young and scored in nine of his final 16 appearances from January. Mbeumo also had a strong first season. Yet Osimhen would give United a proven centre-forward who has already delivered at Lille, Napoli and Galatasaray. UEFA records him as Nigeria’s leading Champions League scorer, with 16 goals.

Who needs him more?

United have the stronger argument. Arsenal would be adding another elite striker to a team that has just won the league. United would be trying to fix a problem that has affected their attack for several seasons.

That does not make the move simple. Galatasaray have little reason to sell a player under contract until 2029, and reports have put their valuation as high as €150m.

If United can agree a deal, Osimhen could become the focal point of their attack. Arsenal could use him to increase their firepower, but United could need him to transform theirs.