Arsenal may have been handed a transfer boost, as it has now been reported that they have moved ahead of a number of clubs in the race for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
The Nigerian striker was outstanding last season as he helped his side lift the Serie A title for the first time since Diego Maradona won it in 1990.
He has established himself as one of the deadliest strikers in world football, with 26 goals and five assists in 32 league games last season, as well as five goals in six Champions League matches.
He has struggled with injuries in this campaign, but has still fired in six goals in eight Serie A starts.
Arsenal pull ahead of rivals for Osimhen
A report from CalcioNapoli24, via Sport Witness, has now claimed that Arsenal are ahead of Real Madrid and Chelsea in their pursuit of Osimhen.
The 24-year-old is reportedly reluctant to enter into contract renewal talks, and with his deal set to expire at the end of next season, it seems he could be on the move in the coming windows.
He would not come cheaply, and there are multiple clubs interested in him, but Arsenal seem to have taken the lead when it comes to trying to sign him.
Why do Arsenal want Victor Osimhen?
Arsenal have been told to sign a striker who can take them to the next level in order to compete with Manchester City, and Osimhen certainly fits this bill.
Whilst Gabriel Jesus is an incredible forward when it comes to his all-round creative play, he has admitted that finishing is not his strongest attribute, and this is a different story when it comes to Osimhen.
He is lethal in front of goal, and he could be a player to take Mikel Arteta’s side to the next level. William Saliba and Declan Rice have already raised the quality of the defensive unit at the club, and Osimhen could join Bukayo Saka in creating one of the best front lines in Europe.
One concern over Osimhen could be his injury record. As good as Gabriel Jesus is, a key problem for him has been staying fit, and Osimhen has also missed 17 games since the start of last season.
It is still unclear where he will end up, but the signs are promising for Arsenal when it comes to beating their rivals to his signature, even if a move is more likely to happen in the summer than in January.
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