Arsenal’s pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has reportedly hit another obstacle after Turkish champions Galatasaray rejected a player-plus-cash offer that included Swedish forward Viktor Gyökeres and an additional €30 million.
According to Turkish journalist Ömer Faruk Özcan, the Premier League club recently held discussions with Galatasaray over the possibility of signing the Super Eagles star. Arsenal’s proposal reportedly involved sending Gyökeres to Istanbul as part of the deal, alongside a €30 million payment, in an attempt to persuade the Turkish champions to part with their leading striker.
However, Galatasaray immediately turned down the proposal, insisting that Osimhen remains central to the club’s long-term sporting ambitions and is not available for transfer unless an offer reflects his full market value.
The Turkish giants are understood to value the Nigerian international at between €130 million and €150 million, a figure they believe accurately reflects his importance to the club, his age, proven goalscoring record and current market demand.
Since completing his permanent move from Italian side Napoli, Osimhen has established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers. The 27-year-old has scored 59 goals and registered 16 assists in 74 appearances across all competitions, helping Galatasaray secure consecutive Turkish Süper Lig titles while strengthening the club’s status in European competitions.
His consistent performances have made him one of the most influential players in Turkish football. Beyond his goals, Osimhen’s leadership, work rate and ability to deliver in crucial matches have earned him widespread admiration among supporters and cemented his place as one of the club’s biggest stars.
The former Lille striker remains one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe, with several Premier League clubs, including Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, continuing to monitor his situation despite Galatasaray’s firm stance.
Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen has been longstanding. The North London club has been searching for a proven centre-forward capable of leading its attack after falling short in recent Premier League title races and UEFA Champions League campaigns.
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Reports suggest Arsenal believe Osimhen possesses the physicality, aerial dominance, pace and clinical finishing required to thrive in English football. His experience in Serie A, Ligue 1 and European competitions has further strengthened his reputation as one of the continent’s elite strikers.
The latest approach also comes amid continued assessments of Viktor Gyökeres’ role within Arsenal’s long-term plans. While the Swedish international remains highly regarded, the club is reportedly exploring every opportunity to strengthen its attacking options ahead of the new season.
Galatasaray, however, remain under little financial pressure to sell. The club secured Osimhen on a permanent transfer from Napoli in one of the biggest deals in Turkish football history, reportedly paying €75 million and handing the Nigerian a lucrative long-term contract running until June 2029.
The agreement is believed to include one of the highest salary packages ever offered in Turkish football, with Osimhen reportedly earning around €21 million per season through wages, loyalty bonuses and commercial rights.
As part of the transfer agreement, Napoli also retained a 10 per cent sell-on clause, ensuring the Italian club will benefit financially from any future sale above the agreed transfer fee. Reports further indicate that contractual provisions make an immediate transfer back to Serie A financially complicated.
Despite persistent transfer speculation throughout the summer, Osimhen has shown no public desire to leave Istanbul. The Super Eagles forward has resumed pre-season preparations with Galatasaray and is understood to have held positive discussions with manager Okan Buruk and the club’s hierarchy regarding the upcoming campaign.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also maintained that there is no indication of an imminent exit, with Galatasaray remaining confident of keeping the Nigerian international unless an exceptional offer arrives.
For Arsenal, the rejection represents another setback in their search for an elite striker, while Galatasaray’s response reinforces the club’s determination to build its future around one of the most prolific forwards in world football.
Soccernet
