Victor Osimhen: Why Man United, Arsenal may regret not signing Nigerian striker

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was linked with Manchester United and Arsenal in the summer, but no transfer materialised.

Manchester United looked to offload Joshua Zirkzee and bring in an experienced goalscorer to boost their output on all fronts, while still mentoring the budding Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal, meanwhile, were reported to have held talks with Galatasaray in a deal that would involve Gabriel Martinelli. However, the Brazilian moved to Al-Hilal, while the Turkish giants signed Rafael Leao from AC Milan.

In the absence of their preferred targets, United and Arsenal have struggled to score goals this season. The Red Devils have just two wins from 12 games, scoring 17 goals in 11 games.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have scored 13 goals in eight Premier League games, sharing the goals amongst several players, as neither Kai Havertz nor Viktor Gyokeres have been consistent in front of goal.

Why Man United, Arsenal may regret not signing Victor Osimhen

Former Flying Eagles star Simon Zenke expressed his shock after the summer transfer window ended and Osimhen stayed in Galatasaray for another season, with only Al-Hilal lodging an official offer.

“I think it was a full transfer of opportunity for Galatasaray because he [Victor Osimhen] is worth more than 100 million Euro,” the 37-year-old said in quotes revealed by Habersarikirmizi.

“At the time, I was really surprised that none of the major European clubs, such as Arsenal and Manchester United, who needed a striker, had not followed him.

“I think they regretted it now after seeing his performance in Turkey.”

Osimhen has scored nine goals and provided three assists this season, a feat very few players in the top five European leagues can boast.

With Arsenal set to be competing in four tournaments this season, they need goals to surpass the EPL title they achieved last season, and with Bukayo Saka facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, it is highly doubtful that Havertz and Gyokeres can carry that goalscoring load.

With Osimhen in the Gunners squad, a guarantee of an additional 20 goals would’ve been a plus for Mikel Arteta’s side, considering they’ve won four games this season by one-goal margins.

Manchester United have been poor in front of goal this season, but with Osimhen able to manufacture chances by himself from aggressive pressing, the Nigerian would’ve given Carrick’s side a helping hand, especially in a league that favours all of his attributes.

Despite the positives of what a move to England could’ve been for the Super Eagles striker, Zenke believes there are other aspects of his game that need working on.

“He’s what I call a modern striker. He’s fast, strong, can press, scores goals and even contributes defensively.

“I am not surprised by his performances because he is a player who has always proven his scorer. He managed to score goals in all the teams he played for. I am very happy for him.

“Osimhen is a very emotional player; he reveals everything on the field and expects the same from his teammates.

“Although sometimes he crosses the line, his teammates should understand that he is a winner and should not not take some of his reactions personally,” the 37-year-old concluded.

As of now, it is still too soon to tell whether the English clubs made the right decision to not go after the 2023 CAF Player of the Year.

Still, that decision is a win for Galatasaray, who are currently top of the Turkish Super Lig table after defeating Fenerbahce last night.