Arsenal Drops Bid For Osimhen, Eyes Another Player From Portugal

Arsenal has decided to abandon their pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, despite Napoli lowering their asking price for the 25-year-old, due to financial constraints and the player’s high wage demands.

The Gunners were previously linked with a high-value move for the Nigeria international, but they have shifted their focus to other options.

According to reports from Corriere dello Sport via Football Italia, the north London club is considering a move for Sporting Lisbon’s Victor Gyökeres.

SportXparte reports that with Osimhen’s new contract, signed in December 2023, making his wages too expensive for Arsenal, the club is now considering Sporting Lisbon’s Victor Gyökeres as a more affordable option.

They are now concentrating on securing a move for him, which could significantly strengthen their attacking options.

To secure Gyökeres’ services from his Portuguese club, Arsenal would still need to spend €100m on a transfer fee.

Adding to the drama, Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea have also reportedly shown interest in Osimhen, intensifying the competition for the striker.

Osimhen To Begin Pre-Season At Napoli

Meanwhile, other Italian reports have indicated that Osimhen is expected to begin pre-season with Napoli due to a lack of offers for the striker.

Despite reducing the price tag to €100m from the initial €130m clause, Napoli has struggled to find a buyer willing to meet their asking price for Osimhen.

This is partly due to the current economic climate in football and the player’s high wage demands, with Arsenal being the latest club to change their targets.

Osimhen, who harbours a strong desire to play in the Premier League, has caught the attention of Manchester United and Chelsea, although no official bids have been made yet.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is actively working on the sale, aiming to cash in on Osimhen this summer despite his crucial role in their recent successes, including the Scudetto-winning 2022/23 campaign.

Manchester United has been linked with a player-plus-cash offer for Osimhen, which would involve Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund leaving Old Trafford for Naples.