Victor Osimhen to Arsenal: What Emmanuel Petit sees that Mikel Arteta needs

Frenchman Emmanuel Petit has given Arsenal a clear reason to consider Victor Osimhen if their pursuit of Julian Alvarez fails, Afrik-Foot reports.

The former Arsenal midfielder says Osimhen, Africa’s most valuable centre-forward, is not the same type of player as Alvarez. But he believes the Galatasaray striker could give Mikel Arteta’s attack something it does not have in the same way.

“He would bring a powerful presence up front,” Petit told Oddschecker via Livescore. “He’s fast, he’s a fighter and he has a strong personality. He’d bring something different to Alvarez.”

Petit’s take on Osimhen comes as Arsenal are looking for more competition for Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz as they prepare for another Premier League and Champions League campaign. Arsenal won the Premier League last season and reached the Champions League final, while Gyokeres scored 21 goals in his first season at the club.

Osimhen’s speed and aggression could change Arsenal

Victor Osimhen, one of the favourites to win this year’s Africa Footballer of the Year award, would give Arteta a striker who can attack space at high speed and put defenders under physical pressure.

His record at Galatasaray supports Petit’s view. Osimhen scored 22 goals and made eight assists in 33 official matches in the 2025-26 season. He also scored 26 league goals in his first full season in Turkey to lead the club to a league and cup double.

The Super Eagles striker’s ability to attack from distance was clear again last Friday as Galatasaray claimed their first league win of the new season. Osimhen scored twice, in the 45th and 80th minutes, as Galatasaray beat Erzurumspor FK 4-0.

That style could change how Arsenal attack. Osimhen can run behind a high defensive line, attack crosses and challenge centre-backs in direct battles. His pace can create space for players such as Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard. His physical strength can also give Arsenal another way to attack when opponents defend deep.

There is also evidence that he can deliver on major European nights. Osimhen found the net seven times in only ten Champions League appearances, guiding Galatasaray to the knockout rounds for the first time in over a decade. Some of his goals include winning strikes against Juventus, Liverpool, Atletico Madrid and Ajax, an indication that the Nigeria international thrives on the biggest nights.

Petit still prefers Alvarez because he sees the Argentine as a more complete fit for Arsenal’s passing game. But his Osimhen argument is simply that Arsenal do not need another Alvarez. They may need a different weapon.

With the Premier League transfer window closing on September 1, Arteta must decide whether that difference is exactly what his attack needs.