Arsenal have held talks with Napoli over the signing of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has started the season strongly, scoring three goals in Napoli’s opening two Serie A fixtures.
His form in front of goal last term was a huge reason why his side strolled to their first league title in over three decades. Across all competitions, the Nigerian scored 31 times in 39 appearances.
There was expected to be a lot of interest in Osimhen this summer. Perhaps clubs have been put off by Napoli’s asking price, which is believed to be well over £100million.
Napoli are well within their right to demand a huge transfer fee and the fact the player is not actively pushing for a move has strengthened their hand.
There has been some reported interest from Saudi Arabia after the failed attempt to sign Kylian Mbappe, though those rumors died down fairly quickly.
A transfer next summer could be on the cards, with Arsenal already laying the groundwork, according to reports.
Football Transfers says Arsenal ‘held initial talks last week’ over a deal to bring in Osimhen in 2024.
Gunners director of football Edu Gaspar has ‘contacted’ Napoli’s owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, to become informed on the ‘availability’ of the 24-year-old.
Edu has been ‘encouraged’ by Osimhen’s agent, Roberto Calenda, as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta prioritizes the addition of a ‘world-class No. 9’ at the end of this season.
Arteta ‘believes the only way’ to continue challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title is to ‘bring in a reliable striker’.
It is added that Osimhen – whose contract expires in 2025 – is not interested in signing a new deal at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
