Victor Osimhen to Arsenal: 3 reasons Arteta could make January transfer move

Victor Osimhen is enjoying another spectacular start to the season for Galatasaray and his fine form will likely not go unnoticed by Europe’s biggest clubs.

The Super Eagles striker opened his UEFA Champions League account with a fine strike in Galatasaray’s thrilling 4-2 win against French Ligue 1 club Lille.

Osimhen also fired in a brilliant brace against Fenerbahçe to take his league tally to eight goals this term, climbing to the top of the Turkish Super Lig’s top scorer chart.

Now considered too good for Turkey’s top-tier, Osimhen could again attract the attention of several top European teams when the January transfer window opens.

Arsenal could be one of the clubs to return to the race for Victor Osimhen as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attack with a striker capable of delivering goals in the Premier League and Champions League.

Arsenal’s interest could gather pace in January, with three factors making the Nigerian striker an attractive target.

Reasons for Victor Osimhen to Arsenal

1. Arsenal can afford a major signing

Arsenal’s Champions League revenue and commercial growth could give the club room to make a big investment in January.

Galatasaray will not want to cheaply lose a striker they paid €75 million to sign permanently, especially with Osimhen under contract until 2029. Arsenal could need to offer more than €100 million to open serious negotiations.

In the summer, there were even reports of possible player-plus-cash deals.

Arsenal now boast the financial wherewithal to make a couple of such mega-deals possible.

The bigger problem, though, could be Victor Osimhen’s wages. He reportedly earns about €20 million net per year at Galatasaray, and Arsenal are unlikely to abandon their salary structure to sign him.

However, should the two parties find common ground with the salary dilemma, Galatasaray will expectedly not stand in the way of an Osimhen transfer to the Premier League.

2. Julian Alvarez could be out of reach

Arsenal were extensively linked with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez but the former Manchester City forward – arguably Arteta’s dream signing – refused to make a return to England.

Atletico are open to sanctioning the sale of Alvarez to Arsenal while the Spaniards insist they will not negotiate with Barcelona for the Argentine. Interestingly, Alvarez’s preferred destination is Barcelona, which leaves a dilemma that will require astute maneuvering to resolve come January.

Arsenal, though, could abandon the Alvarez chase and turn their attention to Victor Osimhen.

The Londoners rode on the goals of Kai Havertz and Gyökeres to the Premier League title last season but they will need more to retain that crown and win the Champions League this term.

Bringing Osimhen to the Emirates Stadium to navigate the second half of the season would nudge Arsenal several steps towards achieving those goals.

The Nigeria international would give Arsenal a powerful centre-forward who can hold off defenders, attack crosses and finish chances inside the box.

Those qualities could make the Super Eagles striker a strong alternative if Arsenal fail to land Alvarez.

3. Arsenal need a striker who can deliver 30 goals

Arsenal have challenged for major honours under Arteta but need more goals from the centre-forward position if they are to retain the Premier League and lift the Champions League for the first time.

Victor Osimhen, who struck 26 goals as Napoli won the Scudetto in 2023, could just be the man Arteta is looking for. His record in front of goal in France, Italy, and Turkey makes him an appealing option for a team looking to turn more chances into victories.

However, Arsenal could face competition from Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain for the Nigerian.

Osimhen’s long-held desire to play in the Premier League could play in Arsenal’s favour, though.

And should Arsenal make concrete their interest in signing Osimhen in January, it would be difficult for the Galatasaray star to reject the chance to possibly be a Premier League and Champions League winner just months after arriving in England.