Arsenal have entered the race to sign Victor Osimhen, potentially complicating Tottenham’s long-standing pursuit of the Galatasaray striker.
The Gunners have opened transfer discussions with Galatasaray, with negotiations covering several players across both clubs in wide-ranging talks.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has been involved in the discussions, during which Osimhen’s name has reportedly entered the conversation.
It remains unclear whether Arsenal raised the possibility of signing the Nigerian international or whether Galatasaray made the striker available as part of the negotiations.
Before Arsenal’s interest emerged, Tottenham had been linked with a potential £55 million move for the 27-year-old Nigeria international.
Galatasaray are holding firm on their £60 million asking price for Osimhen, despite Arsenal attempting to negotiate a lower fee.
The talks have also featured Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, with Galatasaray having submitted a £38.4 million bid for Martinelli.
Osimhen was in impressive form for Galatasaray last season, scoring 22 goals and contributing six assists across 33 appearances in all competitions.
Arsenal’s interest in a striker is understood to stem from ongoing complications in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, who remains their first-choice target.
Atletico Madrid’s valuation of Alvarez exceeds £100 million, and the Argentine appears to be keen on a move to Barcelona rather than Arsenal.
With the Alvarez route looking increasingly difficult, Osimhen has emerged as a viable alternative option for Arsenal’s attack ahead of the new season.
Osimhen has made it clear in the past that he dreams of one day playing in the Premier League, which could work in Arsenal’s favour during negotiations.
The situation leaves Tottenham in a difficult position, with a Premier League rival now threatening to hijack a deal they had been monitoring closely.
