Arsenal have ended their chase for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen and are now looking at other options to solve their goal-scoring problems. The North London club had been linked with the Napoli forward, but reports suggest they will not be making a bid.
According to The Athletic, there is a disagreement within Arsenal’s management over their ideal striker target. Sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly favors Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, while manager Mikel Arteta prefers Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak. However, Newcastle are unwilling to sell Isak unless they receive a massive transfer fee.
Osimhen, currently on loan at Turkish club Galatasaray, had been a rumored target for the Gunners in recent months. Despite his impressive form—scoring 20 goals in 23 league matches—Arsenal have decided to move on to other options.
Arsenal Looking Elsewhere for a Striker
With Arsenal’s attack struggling this season, the club is looking at RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko as a more affordable choice. Gyokeres remains a strong candidate after an incredible season with Sporting CP, where he has scored 30 goals in 26 league appearances and helped his club win the Portuguese league title.
Arsenal have been desperate for a reliable centre-forward, as injuries and inconsistency have plagued their attack. Arteta has had to rely on Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, with midfielder Mikel Merino occasionally filling in as a makeshift striker.
The club has already failed in previous attempts to strengthen their attack. They made an unsuccessful bid for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins and tried to secure Alvaro Morata on loan, but the Spanish forward chose to join Galatasaray instead.
Also Read:
- Nigerian Boxer Dies in Ghana After Fighting to Pay Off Debts
- Djokovic Makes History as Oldest Player to Reach Masters Semi-Final
Osimhen’s Future Remains Uncertain
Osimhen has been a major subject of transfer speculation ever since his fallout with Napoli. He played a key role in Napoli’s 2023 Serie A title win, scoring 26 goals to become the league’s top scorer and the first African player to achieve that feat.
Now, Juventus are reportedly preparing an offer that includes a player-plus-cash deal, with defender Federico Gatti possibly included to tempt Napoli into negotiations. Meanwhile, Chelsea have maintained long-term interest in the Nigerian forward.
Former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant recently spoke about Chelsea’s need for a prolific goal scorer, telling TalkSport, “Osimhen would change things for Chelsea without a shadow of a doubt.”
The Super Eagles star also made headlines during Nigeria’s international matches in March, surpassing Segun Odegbami’s 44-year-old goal record by scoring his 24th, 25th, and 26th goals for the national team.
While Osimhen’s next club remains uncertain, Arsenal have clearly moved on, setting their sights on other strikers to boost their attacking options for the upcoming season.