Victor Osimhen responds to Arsenal links as Galatasaray sale stance revealed

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Nigeria and Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen seemed to suggest he is open to joining Arsenal this summer, while the Turkish club has set a clear stance over his sale.

The striker, 27, only joined Galatasaray on a permanent basis from Napoli last summer, having spent the previous season on loan in Istanbul. He has won a league title in three consecutive seasons, helping Napoli win the Scudetto in 2023 before earning back-to-back Turkish Super Lig honours.

And as Arsenal look to add firepower to their ranks, he has reportedly been discussed as a potential option. His would be the headline-grabbing signing the club are so keen on, and for which they remain in the hunt after falling short in bids to sign Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers.

Osimhen’s name is said to have been mentioned in talks when Galatasaray approached the Gunners to express interest in Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.

Speaking after scoring a brace in Galatasaray’s season opener, a 2-2 home draw with Corum FK, Osimhen refused to rule out a Premier League move, saying he was prepared to bide his time and assess his options.

“There are always rumours in transfer seasons,” he told reporters in Turkey. “I will take care of my business. I am focused on my job, then we will see and think further.”

Arsenal could be facing another testing mission should they move for Osimhen, though. Reports from Turkish outlet 343 Digital claim Galatasaray president has drawn a line in the sand and will refuse any approaches for the player.

He is reported to have told the club’s executives: “I will not say ‘yes’ to any transaction that will harm Galatasaray or not benefit Galatasaray.

“What I said about Baris Alper Yilmaz, I am now saying even more strongly about Osimhen. No matter how much the price is, I am not selling Osimhen.”

Galatasaray rejected £111m bid from Al Hilal for Osimhen earlier this summer.

Arsenal brought in Viktor Gyokeres for £64m last summer, but, despite scoring 21 goals in 55 appearances, his inconsistent form has left the club in search of an upgrade. They are known to be keen on Julian Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid are prepared to dig in their heels in a bid to avoid selling.

Speaking earlier this week, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta promised the club would remain active in the transfer market as he looks to continue strengthening ahead of Deadline Day, having previously stated a desire to take his side to ‘a new dimension’.

Source: Read the original article on www.standard.co.uk