Osimhen: How Arsenal’s Alvarez problem exposed reality of Super Eagles star’s transfer

Arsenal’s search for a new striker has reached a difficult stage, and the Julian Alvarez saga explains why Victor Osimhen is not an easy solution, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Gunners have spent much of the summer trying to find a major attacking addition. Alvarez has been their main target, but the Atletico Madrid forward has wanted a move to Barcelona. Atletico, however, have refused to negotiate with their Spanish rivals. Arsenal have therefore been left waiting for Alvarez to change his mind.

The Daily Express reports that Arsenal were still pushing for Alvarez in a deal valued at about £128m. The report also said the club was looking at other options as the transfer window moved towards its deadline. At the same time, former Manchester United striker Louis Saha claimed Victor Osimhen was waiting for a move to Old Trafford.

That situation creates an important question for Arsenal. If Alvarez is difficult to sign because of the player’s preference and Atletico’s position, could the Gunners simply turn to Osimhen? The answer is more complicated. The Nigerian striker has a long-term contract in Istanbul, is playing a central role at Galatasaray and, unlike Alvarez, has no obvious reason to force an exit.

Alvarez shows the problem

Alvarez’s case has exposed how much control a selling club and a player can have in a major transfer.

The 26-year-old wants Barcelona, while Atletico have made it clear they will not negotiate with the Catalan club. Arsenal have stayed in the picture, but reports say they believe the deal is still unlikely unless Alvarez becomes willing to move to London.

Arsenal’s problem is not a lack of money alone. The club can make a record-level offer, but that does not guarantee the player will choose the Emirates.

Osimhen: Galatasaray hold the power

Osimhen presents an even tougher case. The Super Eagles forward signed a four-year contract with Galatasaray in July 2025 after the Turkish club paid Napoli €75m. His contract runs until June 2029, and Galatasaray also agreed to pay him €15m in net annual salary, plus bonuses and image-rights payments.

There is also no release clause in the contract. Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek said in March that the club expected Osimhen to serve Galatasaray for many years. His form makes that position easier to understand. The Nigeria international claimed the Super Lig’s Golden Boot in his first season at Galatasaray and has already managed five goals and two assists in only three league appearances this term.

Fabrizio Romano has also said Arsenal never opened formal negotiations for Osimhen because the striker is not available for a move. Reports about his name entering discussions came from Arsenal’s talks with Galatasaray over Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.

That leaves Arsenal with a clear problem. They need a striker, but Osimhen’s club does not need to sell him and the player has no obvious push to leave. Alvarez may be difficult because Arsenal need the player to choose them. Osimhen is harder because Arsenal would first need Galatasaray and the Nigerian to change their minds and that could be a bridge too far this summer.