Victor Osimhen: 3 key reasons Galatasaray may have to sell Arsenal & Chelsea target

Victor Osimhen is again set for a busy summer, with Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United as well as several other European giants monitoring his situation closely, Afrik-Foot reports.

Galatasaray have publicly shown their determination to keep the Super Eagles striker, rejecting reported offers worth €120 million and €125 million. The Turkish champions have even considered making Osimhen the face of their long-term project by handing him the captaincy and the famous No. 9 shirt following Mauro Icardi’s expected departure.

The Nigerian forward has justified the hype with outstanding performances, scoring 59 goals in 74 appearances for the club. He also delivered 15 goals and five assists in 22 Süper Lig matches this season, while contributing seven goals and three assists in ten Champions League games.

Despite Galatasaray’s hardline stance and €150 million valuation, several factors suggest that selling Osimhen this summer could ultimately make more sense for the club.

The huge financial cost of keeping Victor Osimhen

Keeping Victor Osimhen, who is not at the 2026 World Cup, comes with a financial commitment never before seen in Turkish football.

The 27-year-old reportedly earns a package worth around €21 million per season when salary, loyalty bonuses and image-rights payments are combined. His annual earnings include a €15 million net salary, a €1 million loyalty payment and approximately €5 million in image-rights arrangements.

While Galatasaray are one of Turkey’s biggest clubs, their revenue streams cannot compete with those available to Premier League, La Liga or Bundesliga sides. Domestic television income and league prize money remain significantly lower than those in Europe’s top five leagues.

Maintaining such an expensive contract for several years could place enormous pressure on the club’s finances, especially as they continue investing in Champions League ambitions and squad improvements.

Cashing in while his value is at its highest

Osimhen’s stock has arguably never been higher. After his remarkable scoring exploits in Turkey and Europe, clubs have already been willing to submit offers exceeding €120 million. Such figures place him among the most valuable strikers in world football.

Football history has repeatedly shown how quickly player values can change. Injuries, loss of form or changing market conditions can dramatically reduce transfer fees within a single season.

Selling now would secure for Galatasaray the largest ever single income for a Turkish club and one of the largest transfer fees in football history. Waiting another year carries risk. If Osimhen’s market value drops, the club could miss the opportunity to generate a record-breaking return on their investment.

With Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona all searching for elite goalscorers, demand for Osimhen is currently at its strongest point.

Funding a major squad rebuild

Beyond the striker position, Galatasaray face important decisions across their squad. Several experienced players, including İlkay Gündoğan, Leroy Sané and Mario Lemina, are among the club’s highest earners. Meanwhile, Mauro Icardi’s expected exit means changes are already underway.

Rather than concentrating so much of the club’s financial power in one superstar, Galatasaray could use a massive Osimhen transfer fee to strengthen multiple positions.

A sale worth between €120 million and €150 million would provide funds to recruit three or four younger, high-quality players while improving squad depth. Such a move could help future-proof the team for both domestic dominance and Champions League competition.

While Galatasaray would undoubtedly lose one of the world’s most dangerous forwards, the financial flexibility gained from an Osimhen sale could transform the club’s long-term future.