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Arsenal Joins PSG, Liverpool in Pursuit of Victor Osimhen

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Arsenal has entered the race to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, joining Premier League rivals and Paris Saint-Germain in exploring a potential January move for the prolific forward.

Transfer expert Pete O’Rourke reports that Arsenal is keen to strengthen its attacking lineup before the transfer window closes, with Osimhen emerging as a prime target. The 26-year-old is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, having joined the Turkish side in September 2024 after moves to Chelsea and Saudi Arabia fell through.

Osimhen has been in scintillating form, recording 14 goals and six assists in 18 appearances across all competitions this season. His impressive performances have propelled Galatasaray to an unbeaten run in both domestic and European competitions, making him one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers.

While reports from RAI Sport suggest Osimhen’s release clause will drop to €75m next summer, a January move could cost around €90m, with Galatasaray entitled to a share of the transfer fee. However, the Turkish club has maintained that Osimhen will stay until the end of the season, with both the coach and directors emphasizing their stance amid growing interest.

The Nigerian recently turned down a potential swap deal with Manchester United involving Marcus Rashford, prompting Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis to vent his frustration, stating, “Then let him stay where he is. Tell Galatasaray to take Osimhen.”

Osimhen’s loan deal includes a clause extending his contract with Napoli until 2027. While Napoli pays him €10m annually, Galatasaray contributes €6m during his current loan stint.

Despite mounting interest, Galatasaray appears resolute in retaining the striker. Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg reported the club is “100 percent convinced” Osimhen will remain with them until the season concludes. Former Galatasaray coach Hamza Hamzaoğlu echoed this sentiment, noting that the Turkish side may struggle to afford a permanent deal due to financial constraints.

PSG has also maintained interest in the striker, with speculation about a potential reunion with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who recently joined the French champions. Liverpool, meanwhile, is reportedly eyeing Osimhen as a possible replacement for Darwin Núñez, who has drawn interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.

Osimhen himself has repeatedly affirmed his commitment to Galatasaray, telling reporters after a Europa League brace against Tottenham, “I will not leave in January. I am at Galatasaray until the end of the season. I don’t know what Galatasaray and Napoli are planning after that, but we will talk when the time comes.”

Nigerian journalist Buchi Laba, close to the striker’s camp, also confirmed Osimhen’s stance on social media, writing: “Victor Osimhen rejected every offer in January 2025 to stay back at Galatasaray for the full season. The plan has always been to remain at Galatasaray and win trophies with the team.”

With Arsenal, PSG, and Liverpool closely monitoring his situation, the Nigerian international’s future remains a topic of significant intrigue ahead of the summer transfer window.

Mike Ojo

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