Arsenal is expected to pursue a center-forward this summer, but they have yet to make any significant moves.
Among their potential targets is Napoli’s star striker, Victor Osimhen. However, the Gunners are hesitant to trigger the £111 million release clause in Osimhen’s contract.
Despite this, reports suggest that Arsenal hasn’t completely ruled out the possibility of securing the Nigerian forward before the transfer window closes.
Osimhen, who is 25, was notably absent from Napoli’s squad for their opening Coppa Italia match against Modena, fueling speculation about his future.
Napoli has made it clear that Osimhen is keen to leave before the August 30 deadline. Over the past four years, Osimhen has established himself as one of the top strikers in Europe’s major leagues.
However, his history of injuries is a concern for Arsenal, especially since they have already struggled with Gabriel Jesus’s frequent absences due to injuries over the last two years.
Despite his injury issues, Osimhen’s goal-scoring prowess is undeniable. He scored 17 goals in under 2,500 minutes last season, making him a potential upgrade over Gabriel Jesus for Arsenal.
However, the club is unlikely to overpay for his services, with reports indicating that they value Osimhen at around £64 million, which is significantly lower than his release clause. Arsenal might consider including a player in the deal to make the offer more appealing to Napoli.
Osimhen, who has been praised as ‘world-class’ by Jose Mourinho, has previously expressed his desire to play in the Premier League. His current salary of £207,000 per week at Napoli is unlikely to pose a problem in negotiations with Arsenal.
The Gunners could benefit from his talents, but they will need to find a way to secure a deal that aligns with their valuation and financial strategy.
