Fabrizio Romano has discussed the possibility of Arsenal securing Victor Osimhen in the upcoming January transfer window amidst ongoing speculations linking the Gunners with the striker. There have been reports indicating Napoli’s asking price and Arsenal’s interest, raising hopes for a potential deal.
Currently topping the Premier League, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal is eyeing a title after a 20-year hiatus. Recognizing the need for consistent excellence, Arteta is reportedly looking to bolster their offensive strength with a new No 9, seen as their primary weakness.
Arsenal’s striking options, mainly relying on Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, have displayed a lack of prolific goal-scoring this season, emphasizing the need for a sharp and consistent goal scorer—a role Erling Haaland of Manchester City perfectly fills.
While the Gunners have been linked heavily with Brentford’s Ivan Toney for a while, recent reports have unveiled Arsenal’s increasing interest in Victor Osimhen. The Gunners seem financially prepared to meet the substantial transfer fee demanded for Osimhen’s services.
Arteta is hopeful that Osimhen, who has an impressive record of 65 goals in 112 appearances for Napoli, can have a similar impact at Arsenal as Haaland does at Manchester City.
Despite growing hopes and past meetings between Osimhen’s agent and Arsenal officials, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has tempered expectations for a January deal. He acknowledges Napoli’s reluctance to sell the striker midway through the season but hints at a potential summer transfer, admitting that anything could happen by then.
Napoli appears to set a high asking price for Osimhen, reportedly seeking a colossal €150m (£130m) fee. This amount, despite Osimhen’s contract until summer 2025, surpasses Arsenal’s record transfer fee and Napoli’s highest received amount for Gonzalo Higuain’s transfer to Juventus in 2016.
While Arsenal is keen on Osimhen, they are not the sole interested party, as Chelsea is also eyeing the striker. Chelsea believes they hold an advantage due to Osimhen’s admiration for the club since his youth.