4 things must happen for Victor Osimhen to join Arsenal before deadline day

Victor Osimhen has less than two weeks to decide if his next chapter will be in England or Istanbul, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Galatasaray and Nigeria international striker has started the new season with four goals in two games, but Arsenal’s interest has added fresh uncertainty around his future.

Arsenal have already discussed Osimhen’s availability with Galatasaray, while the former Napoli man has not ruled out leaving the Turkish champions. The problem is that interest alone will not complete the deal.

A move before the September 1 deadline would need several pieces to fall into place.

So, what exactly must happen for Osimhen to walk through the Emirates Stadium doors before deadline day?

1. Galatasaray must agree to negotiate

This is the hardest part. Galatasaray signed Osimhen from Napoli for €75 million in July 2025. He signed a contract until June 2029, with a net guaranteed salary of €15 million per season, plus €1 million in loyalty payments and €5 million in image rights.

The Turkish champions have also shown that they do not need to sell. Multiple reports have confirmed that Galatasaray rejected a €150 million offer from Al-Hilal. President Dursun Ozbek then said: “no matter how much the price is, I am not selling Osimhen.”

That leaves Arsenal with a major problem. A normal bid may not even start talks if Galatasaray keep that position. The first breakthrough must therefore come in Istanbul. Galatasaray must decide that they are willing to listen to offers for a striker whose departure could cost them big.

2. Osimhen must push for Arsenal

The next step is down to the player. Osimhen has not demanded a transfer in public. After scoring twice against Corum in Galatasaray’s opening league game, he said: “I will take care of my business.”

Arsenal can offer an attractive sporting project. They won the Premier League and reached the Champions League final last season, while Galatasaray went out in the Champions League round of 16.

That could make the Emirates an appealing destination. Osimhen would, however, face competition from Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz. At Galatasaray, he is the clear attacking star. He would need to decide that regular competition for his place in England is worth the move.

3. Arsenal must build a financial package

Arsenal also need to make the numbers work. Reports have suggested that an offer above £60 million could give Arsenal a chance of opening serious talks. Galatasaray have already rejected a reported €150 million Al-Hilal offer, so the Turkish club’s demands are difficult to predict.

Arsenal have spent heavily this summer, including £75 million on Bruno Guimaraes and £34 million on Christos Tzolis. The transfer fee is only one part of the deal. Osimhen’s salary is the bigger issue.

4. Osimhen must accept less money

Osimhen’s Galatasaray package is worth around €21 million per season before considering other benefits, which totals more than €360,000 (approx. £308,000)a week in Istanbul. That is slightly more than Arsenal star player Bukayo Saka’s reported £300,000 weekly salary.

Arsenal are unlikely to match that figure. Osimhen would therefore need to accept a lower basic salary, with bonuses, performance payments and other incentives possibly used to close the gap. That could be the final piece of the puzzle.

If Galatasaray refuse to negotiate, Arsenal cannot force the transfer. If the Turkish club open talks and Osimhen pushes from inside, however, the situation can change very quickly before September 1. For now, Arsenal need a door that Galatasaray have firmly kept closed.