"My client is fully committed to an Arsenal transfer, and I won’t push him into something he doesn’t want,” stated the agent of Arsenal’s transfer target, responding to Pep Guardiola's substantial offer aimed at disrupting the move.
Victor Osimhen’s future continues to be a topic of speculation as his contract with Napoli approaches its 2025 expiration. Following a turbulent summer, his role at Napoli has diminished, leading him to seek an exit from the club. Osimhen’s relationship with Napoli soured after Antonio Conte, the manager, favored Romelu Lukaku over him, resulting in Lukaku’s €30m transfer from Chelsea to Napoli.
With limited prospects for playing time, Osimhen opted for a loan move to Galatasaray, though it wasn’t his preferred choice. During the summer transfer window, several major clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Arsenal, showed interest in the Nigerian striker. However, it's unclear whether any of these teams will pursue him in 2025, once his loan spell concludes.
Osimhen, widely regarded as one of the top strikers globally, could significantly strengthen any team. He left Napoli with an impressive record of 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 appearances, cementing his legacy by leading them to the 2023 Serie A title.
Despite speculation about a potential move, both Arsenal and Chelsea have decided against pursuing Osimhen in the upcoming January transfer window. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, remains open to adding a new striker next summer, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano noting that a future move is possible. However, reports suggest that Arsenal will not activate the £68 million release clause in Osimhen’s Napoli contract this January.
While Arsenal has long admired Osimhen, any serious approach is expected to wait until the summer. The striker’s current loan deal with Galatasaray includes a break clause, which could potentially allow him to move to a third club in January. Chelsea, too, has ruled out a January pursuit due to concerns surrounding Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability regulations.