Arsenal latest stance on Victor Osimhen after ‘talks’ as summer priority emerges

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Journalist Charles Watts has provided an update on where Arsenal currently stand in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen.

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Victor Osimhen for some time.

The Napoli striker has made it clear that he wants to make a move in 2024. He has recently signed a new contract with the Italian club, but it includes a £112 million release clause.

Arsenal are certainly in the market for a new striker, and for good reason. For all of his technical quality, Gabriel Jesus is simply not prolific enough in front of goal. So far this season, the Brazilian has only found the back of the net three times in the Premier League.

Jesus has admitted that goalscoring is not his greatest strength, but Mikel Arteta still needs more from the former Manchester City man.

The north London club have been linked with a number of forwards who could potentially come in and make Arteta’s side more potent in the final third. Arsenal have been credited with an interest in Ivan Toney. Dominic Solanke has also been mooted as a possible target.

However, Osimhen would perhaps represent the most exciting possible addition to Arteta’s squad, as the Nigerian is one of the most highly-rated forwards in European football, having fired Napoli to a Serie A title triumph last season.

Are Arsenal plotting a move for Victor Osimhen?

Charles Watts has now provided an insight into Arsenal’s progress towards striking a deal for the 25-year-old. Speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel, the reporter said, “take it all with a pinch of salt, at the moment. Arsenal like Victor Osimhen. They’ve had talks with Victor Osimhen before. I don’t know if those talks are ongoing right now or not, if they’re doing stuff behind the scene. I imagine they’ll probably be sounding him out…that’s just me resuming.”

“They’re going to want a striker this summer. Victor Osimhen could potentially be available…I wouldn’t be seeing these reports emerging from Italy and thinking, ‘oh, Arsenal have really started talks to get this done.’…It’s just not one for this month, anyway.”

Sporting director Edu has already held talks with Napoli over a potential deal for Osimhen. It will be fascinating to see if Arsenal make a concerted effort to secure his services in the summer.

There is no chance that the Gunners will make any attempt to sign Osimhen in what remains of the current January transfer window, though. Arsenal only have a very limited transfer budget available to them at this time.