Osimhen’s €150m price tag: Which club can afford him – Arsenal, Man United, Atletico Madrid or Barcelona?

Victor Osimhen is unarguably one of the most expensive names on the 2026 summer transfer market, Afrik-Foot reports.

Galatasaray paid Napoli €75m for the Nigeria striker in July 2025. Just one year later, reports place his asking price at up to €150m. Galatasaray have also rejected offers worth €150m from Al-Hilal, making it clear that money alone may not be enough to take him from Istanbul.

That price has created a simple question for four European clubs linked with the 27-year-old: Arsenal, Manchester United, Atlético Madrid and Barcelona. Each club has the financial power to discuss a deal. None can treat €150m as a normal transfer.

The situation is also changing fast. Arsenal have held talks with Galatasaray in recent weeks, while United have asked about Osimhen’s availability. Barcelona have their own financial rules to follow, and Atlético’s spending plans have already been shaped by a major squad rebuild.

So which club can actually make the numbers work? The answer depends on more than the transfer fee. Wages, existing contracts, financial rules and each club’s transfer plan all matter.

Arsenal: The strongest fit, but there is a catch

Arsenal look like the most natural destination. Sporting director Andrea Berta has already watched Osimhen in Istanbul, and the Gunners have held discussions with Galatasaray. Arsenal also reportedly tried a creative route in August, with reports of a proposal involving Viktor Gyökeres plus €30m. Galatasaray rejected it.

The financial side gives Arsenal room to move. The club’s latest reported accounts show £643m in revenue and a £25.2m profit for 2024/25. Arsenal also spent heavily on Gyökeres after making him their centre-forward in 2025. The club’s official announcement confirmed his arrival from Sporting after he scored 97 goals in 102 games for the Portuguese club.

The problem is the salary. Reports say Osimhen earns more than £350,000 a week and Arsenal do not want to match that figure. The club have instead asked the striker to accept lower wages. That makes Arsenal financially capable of paying a huge fee, but less willing to accept the full cost of the deal.

Verdict: Most likely of the four, if Osimhen cuts his wage demands and Galatasaray lower their stance.

Manchester United: The money is there, but the strategy says no

United have the financial muscle to make a €150m bid. Their accounts showed £86.1m in cash at June 30, 2025, plus access to £140m in unused revolving facilities. The club also has major commercial income, which gives it more spending power than many European rivals.

Yet United’s recruitment policy has changed. Chief executive Omar Berrada said the club would repeat the recruitment model that helped United move from 15th in 2024/25 to third in 2025/26. The message is clearly that United do not want to overpay.

That approach is visible this summer. United spent £85m on Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, while Michael Carrick has asked for more additions before the September 1 deadline. The club’s current needs also extend beyond the striker position.

Verdict: Can afford Osimhen, but a €150m deal does not fit United’s new value-first strategy.

Atlético Madrid: A giant investment would be difficult

Atlético have already shown that they can make a huge commitment to a forward. Julián Álvarez arrived from Manchester City on a six-year contract in 2024, and club chief executive Miguel Ángel Gil said a €70m capital increase helped make that deal and other signings possible. Atlético say they have invested €890m in players, facilities and international franchises over eight seasons.

The current financial picture is less comfortable. Atlético recorded a €5.99m loss for 2024/25 and budgeted for €554m in revenue in 2025/26. The club is also spending heavily on its stadium and City of Sport projects.

A €150m Osimhen deal would therefore be a huge financial decision, especially with Álvarez already central to Simeone’s attack. Atlético could only make the move look realistic if they first create major room through player sales.

Verdict: Financially possible, but the least practical option unless the squad changes dramatically.

Barcelona: Richer again, but still restricted

Barcelona’s finances have improved. The club reported €994m in ordinary revenue for 2024/25 and reduced debt to €469m. It also expects €1.075bn in ordinary revenue for 2025/26 as the return to Spotify Camp Nou increases income.

But Barça cannot simply write a €150m cheque and move on. LaLiga’s 1:1 rule links new spending to the club’s income and financial position. Barcelona have worked hard to regain that status after years of restrictions.

Their recent transfer activity also points to a more careful model. Barcelona have refused to break the bank for Julián Alvarez and pass over the chance to make Marcus Rashford loan from Manchester United permanent, refusing to commit to a massive transfer fee.

Verdict: The financial recovery is real, but €150m for Osimhen would be a major stretch under LaLiga’s rules.

Afrik-Foot’s final call

If Galatasaray truly demand €150m, Arsenal are the club best placed to make the deal happen. Their revenue, Premier League income and current interest give them the clearest path.

United have the financial power but are deliberately moving away from huge, uncontrolled fees. Barcelona have recovered strongly but still operate under strict spending controls. Atlético have invested at the top end of the market, yet their latest loss and €554m revenue forecast make another €150m striker difficult.

Osimhen’s price, then, is not only a test of who has the most money. It is a test of which club is willing to make him its priority.