The Nigeria international, 27, only completed a permanent move to Galatasaray from Napoli last summer after spending the previous campaign on loan at the Turkish club. Since then, Osimhen has continued to establish himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards.
He has now won league titles in three consecutive seasons, helping Napoli claim the Serie A title in 2023 before playing a major role in Galatasaray’s back-to-back Turkish Super Lig triumphs.
Arsenal keeping Osimhen on their radar
Arsenal are understood to be searching for another attacking option as Mikel Arteta looks to add greater firepower and depth to his squad.
Osimhen has reportedly emerged as one of the names under consideration, with a potential move to the Emirates capable of becoming one of the biggest transfers of the summer.
The Gunners have already seen attempts to land other high-profile attacking targets fall short, including interest in Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers. Their pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has also become increasingly complicated, with the Spanish club determined to keep hold of the Argentina international.
Osimhen’s name reportedly came up during discussions between Arsenal and Galatasaray after the Turkish giants expressed an interest in Gunners duo Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
Osimhen refuses to close the door
The Nigerian striker added further fuel to the speculation after scoring twice in Galatasaray’s season opener, a 2-2 home draw with Corum FK.
Asked about the continuing transfer rumours and his future, Osimhen refused to rule out a move to the Premier League and suggested he was prepared to wait before making any decision.
“There are always rumours in transfer seasons,” he told reporters in Turkey.
“I will take care of my business. I am focused on my job, then we will see and think further.”
While the comments do not amount to a direct indication that Osimhen wants to join Arsenal, they are unlikely to calm speculation surrounding his future, particularly with the Premier League giants reportedly monitoring his situation closely.
Galatasaray unwilling to sell
Arsenal could face a difficult battle if they decide to make a formal approach, however, with reports from Turkish outlet 343 Digital claiming Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has instructed club executives to resist any attempt to prise Osimhen away.
Ozbek is reported to have told the club's executives:
“I will not say 'yes' to any transaction that will harm Galatasaray or not benefit Galatasaray.
“What I said about Baris Alper Yilmaz, I am now saying even more strongly about Osimhen. No matter how much the price is, I am not selling Osimhen.”
The Turkish champions have already demonstrated their determination to keep the forward, reportedly turning down a £111 million bid from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal earlier this summer.
That rejection could indicate just how difficult it would be for Arsenal to persuade Galatasaray to part with their leading goalscorer, even if the player himself becomes receptive to a move.
Arteta promises Arsenal will remain active
Arsenal signed Viktor Gyokeres for £64 million last summer, and although the Sweden international scored 21 goals in 55 appearances, his inconsistent performances have prompted questions over whether the club need another option in the position.
Julian Alvarez remains another player of interest, but Atletico Madrid are reportedly prepared to stand firm rather than sanction the sale of their prized forward.
Arteta has meanwhile insisted that Arsenal are still working to improve the squad before the transfer window closes, making it clear that the club's recruitment drive is not over.
“There is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that,” said Arteta.
“We are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market is that it doesn't just depend on you. We are very clear on that.
“But the approach, the will and the desire of the club, that's unquestionable. We want to try to do that. But we cannot promise that we're going to do it because it doesn't only depend on us.”
With Osimhen seemingly unwilling to rule out a Premier League switch and Arsenal still searching for additional attacking quality, the striker’s future could become one of the major transfer stories to watch as Deadline Day approaches.