Arsenal’s pursuit of a potent striker to bolster their attacking prowess has taken a new turn, with the club reportedly shifting their focus away from Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen. The North London club’s search for a reliable goalscorer has become a priority, especially given the recent injuries to key players like Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with a depleted attacking line. This has forced the Spaniard to deploy midfielder Mikel Merino in an unfamiliar centre-forward role, highlighting the urgent need for reinforcements up front. While Osimhen’s prolific form at Galatasaray, where he is currently on loan from Napoli, made him an attractive prospect, Arsenal appear to have reevaluated their options, potentially due to the complexities and cost associated with securing his signature.
The decision not to pursue Osimhen further suggests a strategic shift in Arsenal’s transfer plans. Reports indicate a potential difference of opinion between sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta regarding their preferred striker target. Berta is said to favor Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish striker currently making waves at Sporting CP. Gyokeres’ impressive goal-scoring record, with 30 league goals in 26 matches this season, has understandably caught Berta’s eye. On the other hand, Arteta reportedly prefers Alexander Isak, the talented forward currently plying his trade at Newcastle United. However, prising Isak away from the Magpies would likely require a hefty transfer fee, which could be a deterrent for Arsenal.
The emergence of RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as a potential target further complicates the situation. While Sesko is viewed as a more affordable option compared to Isak, competition for his signature is expected to be fierce. This makes Gyokeres, with his proven goal-scoring ability and potentially more manageable transfer fee, a more viable option for the Gunners. Arsenal’s past attempts to strengthen their attacking ranks have met with setbacks, including a failed bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and unsuccessful loan negotiations for Alvaro Morata, who eventually joined Galatasaray.
Osimhen, despite no longer being Arsenal’s primary target, remains a highly sought-after striker. His impressive performance for Napoli during their Scudetto-winning campaign in 2023, where he topped the Serie A scoring charts with 26 goals, cemented his status as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards. His achievement also marked a historic milestone, making him the first African player to win the prestigious Serie A Golden Boot. Since his reported fallout with Napoli, Osimhen has been the subject of intense transfer speculation, with several top clubs vying for his services.
Italian giants Juventus are reportedly preparing a player-plus-cash deal to lure Osimhen away from Napoli. The potential inclusion of defender Federico Gatti in the deal could sweeten the offer and entice Napoli to enter negotiations. Meanwhile, Chelsea have also maintained a long-standing interest in the Nigerian international. Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant recently endorsed Osimhen’s potential impact at Stamford Bridge, stating that the Nigerian would undoubtedly transform Chelsea’s attacking fortunes.
Osimhen’s impressive club form has also translated to success on the international stage. He recently surpassed Segun Odegbami’s long-standing goalscoring record for Nigeria, adding another feather to his cap. During the March international break, Osimhen netted three goals for the Super Eagles, taking his international tally to an impressive 26 goals, firmly establishing himself as Nigeria’s leading goalscorer. As the transfer window approaches, Osimhen’s future remains uncertain, but his undeniable talent and prolific goalscoring ability ensure that he will continue to be a highly coveted target for top clubs across Europe. While Arsenal’s pursuit may have cooled, other clubs are eager to secure the services of this in-demand striker.
