Victor Osimhen to Arsenal: Main obstacle standing between Nigerian striker and EPL move

Victor Osimhen’s name has once again emerged in Arsenal’s transfer plans, but the biggest obstacle to the Super Eagles striker’s Premier League dream may not be Mikel Arteta’s tactical concerns, Afrik-Foot reports.

Instead, it could come down to the enormous financial package required to prise him away from Galatasaray.

The Nigerian’s availability was discussed during Arsenal’s negotiations with the Turkish champions over Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, while Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have also considered a move for the 27-year-old.

However, none of the Premier League clubs has made a formal offer for Osimhen, and that is unlikely to change unless one of them is prepared to meet the financial demands attached to the transfer.

Osimhen only joined Galatasaray permanently in 2025 after his hugely successful loan spell in Istanbul, signing a contract that runs until 2029.

That gives the Turkish champions significant leverage. Galatasaray have already demonstrated their position by rejecting a €130 million offer from Al-Hilal, despite the enormous financial incentive involved.

If Galatasaray were unwilling to sell at that figure, an interested Premier League club would have to present an even more convincing proposal to force them into reconsidering their position, and that is where Arsenal’s interest becomes complicated.

Arsenal may not justify the cost

As per Caught Offside, Arsenal are looking for another elite attacking option, with Mikel Arteta acknowledging that there are very few players available who can immediately improve his squad.

Osimhen certainly fits that description. The Nigerian would give Arsenal a different dimension from their existing attacking options, particularly with his ability to stretch defensive lines, attack crosses, dominate centre-backs physically and turn half-chances into goals.

His movement could also create more space for players such as Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, while his pressing would fit naturally into a side that wants to win the ball high up the pitch.

The question is whether Arsenal need to spend heavily on a player who would fundamentally change their financial structure.

The Gunners already have Viktor Gyökeres, and although Osimhen offers a slightly different profile, Arsenal would have to decide whether that difference is worth potentially paying a huge transfer fee and salary.

Osimhen wants the Premier League

For the player, the attraction is obvious. Osimhen has remained keen on testing himself in England, and the Premier League would represent another major chapter in a career that has already taken him through Germany, Belgium, France, Italy and Turkey.

At Arsenal, he would also join a team capable of competing for the biggest domestic and European prizes, but wanting the move and making it happen are two very different things.

Galatasaray are under no pressure to sell, and the striker isn’t keen on forcing a move either.

The Turkish champions have Osimhen tied down until 2029 and know that his value could remain extremely high if he continues producing at the level that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.

That means Arsenal cannot simply rely on the player’s desire to move. They would need to convince Galatasaray financially while also finding a salary structure that makes sense for the club.

Why Arsenal may have to think twice

There is another layer to the situation. Signing Osimhen would not simply mean paying a transfer fee. Arsenal would also have to absorb his wages, bonuses and potentially high agent-related costs.

Another report from Caught Offside revealed that Arsenal would need to offer more than £60m to have a realistic chance of convincing Galatasaray to sell Osimhen before the window closes.

The report adds that the former Napoli striker earns more than £300,000 per week, making wages a major part of any potential agreement.

Importantly, the Community Shield winners have already opened talks around his situation.

While the transfer fee could be easily forked out, the wages might be a problem. Afrik-Foot previously reported Osimhen’s €360,577 weekly wages would be the highest in Arsenal’s squad, and that figure might even go up if he asks for an increased wage should the Gunners reach an agreement with Galatasaray.

Bukayo Saka currently earns the most at Arsenal (€351,256 per week), with Kai Havertz as a close second (€327,885 per week).

Arsenal could continue with Gyökeres and look for a more affordable attacking addition, or they could decide that Osimhen is the kind of elite forward worth making an exception for.

For Arsenal, that means negotiations would probably only become serious if they are prepared to go to extraordinary lengths financially.