Victor Osimhen transfer links are once again a topic of discussion after he scored for Napoli upon his return from international duty in an epic UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash with Barcelona at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium on Wednesday night.
The 25-year-old was a key member of Jose Peseiro's Super Eagles team that placed second at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The Napoli forward managed to score only one goal in the tournament, where he was expected to dominate headlines and was not included in the CAF Best XI of the Tournament.
Osimhen put in a great performance against the Spanish giants and capped it off with a goal that brought Napoli level.
Following his impressive display, Osimhen has garnered praise from fans and pundits alike, including France and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.
Henry's perspective on Osimhen transfer rumours
Speaking of Osimhen's performance, it was evident that his goal was much needed. As Henry remarked, “I think he needed the goal today.”
“At the recent AFCON, Osimhen showcased his versatility and skillset, demonstrating his ability to lead the line, make runs into the channels, and exhibit excellent hold-up play.”
Henry further pondered on Osimhen's potential, stating, “How good can he be?”
Highlighting Osimhen's past achievements, Henry pointed out, “He showed last year what he could do and won the African Player of the Year along the way, winning the Scudetto with Napoli and getting to the final with Nigeria.”
Considering Osimhen's recent achievements, there's a palpable sense of anticipation regarding his next career moves.
Henry shared his insights on Osimhen's journey and future prospects. “I'd like to see him now, what he can do in the Premier League or wherever he's gonna go or Paris Saint-Germain,” Henry mused, contemplating Osimhen's potential destinations.
However, he made it clear that one club wouldn't be on his radar, stating, “Not Arsenal, I won't go there.”
Henry emphasised the importance of Osimhen taking the next step in his career and achieving greater consistency in his performances.
Despite this, Henry acknowledged the significance of Osimhen's triumphs with Napoli, noting, “To be able to win the title with Napoli the way he did will stay in history forever,” the 46-year-old gushed.
Can Arsenal outbid PSG & Chelsea for Osimhen transfer?
Osimhen has emerged as a coveted target, with his reported release clause of €130 million and salary demands of £250,000 per week causing ripples across Europe's elite clubs.
While Chelsea have been deterred by these figures and is exploring alternative options, PSG appear poised to meet the Osimhen transfer demands, viewing him as the ideal successor to Kylian Mbappe, who is set to depart for Real Madrid in the summer.
As negotiations heat up and the transfer saga unfolds, Arsenal finds itself at a crossroads.
The club must assess its financial capabilities and strategic priorities to determine if they can meet Osimhen's demands and secure his signature should Osimhen decide to join them.
Why Osimhen transfer would be a blessing to Arsenal
During the January transfer window, Arsenal were linked with several players to bolster their attacking lineup. Despite possessing a strong strike force, Arsenal's offensive capabilities face challenges.
Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah have struggled to score consistently, while the contributions from Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka have sometimes fallen short, particularly in crucial matches.
Seeking to address these issues, Arsenal are reportedly pursuing an Osimhen transfer.
Arsenal have historically been associated with a possession-oriented style of play. However, this approach hasn't always translated into dominance in aerial duels and physical battles.
Osimhen's physical presence and ability to win aerial challenges could provide Arsenal with a focal point in attack.
His positioning in the penalty area during set-pieces and crosses could introduce a new dimension to Arsenal's attacking tactics, increasing their unpredictability and effectiveness in the final third.
