Osimhen vs Alvarez: 3 traits that put Super Eagles star as Arsenal’s preferred target striker

Premier League champions Arsenal have continued their search for a new centre forward and have reopened talks with Galatasaray over a possible move for Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen this summer, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Nigerian striker’s future has remained uncertain this summer, with several clubs showing interest in signing him from the Turkish champions.

Arsenal are in need of major attacking reinforcements despite strengthening their squad last summer, as their forwards struggled for consistency during large parts of the campaign.

That has left the Gunners looking for a new striker, with several names linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer. Two of the biggest names to emerge in their search are Julian Alvarez and Osimhen.

While Alvarez has reportedly been Arsenal’s top target, Osimhen’s name has reappeared in the club’s plans. Reports recently revealed that Arsenal and Galatasaray discussed the Nigerian during talks that were also linked to a potential deal involving Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli.

Both Alvarez and Osimhen would be major additions to Arsenal’s attack, but there are several traits that could put the Super Eagles star ahead of his Argentine counterpart in the Gunners’ search for a new striker.

Osimhen’s goalscoring consistency and proven record

One of the biggest strengths that sets the Super Eagles star apart from Alvarez is his proven goalscoring record.

The Super Eagles striker has consistently found the back of the net throughout his career, and that could be a major factor for Arsenal as they look for a forward capable of making a difference in front of goal.

Osimhen showed that quality during his time at Lille before taking his game to another level at Napoli. He played a key role in helping the Italian club win the Serie A title in the 2022-23 season, their first Scudetto in 33 years.

He has also continued to deliver at Galatasaray, scoring 59 goals in 74 appearances for the Turkish giants.

Alvarez is also an accomplished goalscorer, but his form was less consistent at different points of last season in La Liga.

For Arsenal, that could give Osimhen an advantage. The Gunners need a striker who can consistently provide goals, especially after seeing Viktor Gyokeres struggle for consistency at different stages of last season. Osimhen’s record of scoring regularly across different leagues makes him a strong candidate to provide that cutting edge.

His physicality suits Premier League football

Alvarez has an obvious advantage over Osimhen when it comes to Premier League experience, having previously played in England with Manchester City.

However, Osimhen’s physical qualities could make him particularly well suited to the demands of English football. The Nigerian superstar rarely shies away from physical battles and has the strength and power to compete with defenders, especially inside the penalty area.

He is capable of using his body to shield the ball, hold off defenders and create shooting opportunities, while his pace and work rate can also cause problems for opposition backlines.

His height is another advantage. Osimhen is strong in the air and can provide Arsenal with a different option when attacking crosses and set pieces.

His physical presence could also be useful defensively, particularly when defending set pieces and dealing with aerial situations.

With the Premier League continuing to demand physical strength, the 27-year-old has many of the attributes required to succeed in England.

Alvarez’s preference for Barcelona could favour Osimhen

Another factor that could work in Osimhen’s favour is Alvarez’s preference for a move to Barcelona. The Argentine forward is reportedly keen on a return to La Liga with Barcelona, although a deal could prove difficult for the Catalan giants.

Barcelona also need attacking reinforcements following the departure of Robert Lewandowski at the end of his contract last summer, while Ferran Torres has recently completed a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

Those departures have increased the need for another centre forward, and Barcelona have identified Alvarez as one of their targets. At the same time, Barcelona have made their stance on Osimhen clear, with the club not looking to sign the Nigerian forward this summer.

That could leave Arsenal with a clearer path towards Alvarez’s alternative if they decide to make Osimhen their priority.

The biggest challenge would then be reaching an agreement with Galatasaray, who are unlikely to make negotiations easy given the Nigerian’s importance to the club.

Whoever Arsenal eventually sign would represent a major addition to their attack, but Osimhen could be a more suitable option.