Reports suggest that Napoli is open to selling their star striker, Victor Osimhen, to Arsenal, but with a key stipulation that could complicate the transfer for manager Mikel Arteta.
As Arsenal aims to strengthen their attack in the upcoming transfer windows, whether in January or next summer, the need for a top-class striker has become more urgent.
In the previous transfer window, Arsenal opted not to pursue a traditional goal-scorer, instead bolstering their forward line with Kai Havertz, a versatile player capable of filling various roles. This left Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus as the main strikers in Arteta’s squad. However, given the team’s performance and ambitions in elite competitions, there could be a shift in strategy, with Arsenal recognizing the need for an elite forward who can compete at the highest level.
Victor Osimhen, one of the most highly coveted strikers in world football, has been at the center of transfer rumors, especially following a public dispute with Napoli’s management. The controversy began when Napoli mocked Osimhen on their official TikTok account, sparking a backlash that led to reports of Osimhen considering legal action against the club. Despite this, Osimhen remains at Napoli, but the tension has fueled ongoing speculation about his future.
According to Calciomercato, Napoli is reportedly willing to sell Osimhen in the summer, but with a significant condition: they are asking for Gabriel Jesus to be included in the transfer, along with a hefty transfer fee. Given that Arsenal paid £50 million for Jesus and Osimhen’s value is said to exceed £100 million, the proposed deal would place a substantial financial burden on the club.
Gabriel Jesus has been crucial to Arteta’s tactical plans since his arrival at Arsenal, playing a key role in their attack. As a result, it seems highly unlikely that Arteta would be willing to part with the Brazilian, making the proposed swap a difficult decision for the club.
In light of this, Arsenal is exploring other options to strengthen their strike force. One such option is Ivan Toney of Brentford, who will be available for transfer after completing his gambling suspension this winter. Toney’s availability presents Arsenal with an opportunity to reinforce their attack without losing key players from their current squad.
While the potential signing of Osimhen remains an enticing possibility for Arsenal, the complexities of the deal—particularly the high financial cost and its impact on squad dynamics—could make it a challenging move for Arteta to pursue. As a result, Arsenal will need to balance its long-term goals with the immediate needs of the squad when making any decisions.
