Arsenal is reportedly ready to make a significant bid for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, with Premier League giants preparing a €100 million offer, according to Italian journalist Ciro Venerato.
This bid, however, falls €30 million short of the release clause set by Napoli in Osimhen’s recent contract.
Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has been adamant that no offers below the release clause will be considered.
The clause’s value, if met, would surpass Arsenal’s current transfer record of £105 million, paid for Declan Rice last summer.
Despite this, Arsenal is hopeful of negotiating a deal around €100 million, or approximately £85 million. “Arsenal will now try with the Nigerian [who dreams of the Premier League], but not by paying the onerous amount of the clause, but a lower sum,” Venerato stated. “Napoli will have to evaluate the pros and cons.”
Initially targeting RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who has committed to Leipzig for another year, Arsenal has shifted its focus to other striking options to bolster their attack and mount a serious challenge to Manchester City.
Another potential target was Girona’s Artem Dovbyk, the top scorer in La Liga last season with 24 goals. However, rumors suggest that a high-profile signing like Victor Osimhen is now a priority.
Osimhen, who dreams of playing in the Premier League, scored 26 league goals in the 2022–23 season, helping Napoli secure their first Serie A title since 1990. His desire for a new challenge aligns perfectly with Arsenal’s ambitions.
While Arsenal remains Osimhen’s most likely destination, they are not alone in their pursuit.
Chelsea and PSG have also expressed interest, with PSG looking to replace Kylian Mbappe, who has joined Real Madrid.
At 25, Osimhen is entering his prime and has demonstrated his capability to lead a team to success. His potential signing could be the key for Arsenal to finally clinch the Premier League title after two decades.
However, the financial risks are substantial. Should the deal not materialize or if Osimhen struggles to adapt to the Premier League, Arsenal could find themselves in a challenging situation. Moreover, with Chelsea and PSG also vying for his signature, Arsenal must act quickly and decisively.
