Arsenal have re-entered the race to sign Napoli’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, according to reports emerging from Italy.
Osimhen, who has expressed a desire to leave Naples this summer, was previously linked with Arsenal, but recent speculation had focused on Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain as the frontrunners for the Nigerian international.
Italian outlet *Corriere dello Sport* reports that Arsenal initially shifted their attention away from Osimhen, opting instead to pursue Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.
However, with Napoli reportedly showing some flexibility on their initial asking price of €130 million (£110.4 million), the Gunners have decided to rejoin the negotiations.
Napoli are now believed to be willing to part with Osimhen for around €100 million (£84.9 million), a figure that has renewed Arsenal’s interest in the prolific forward.
Talks are expected to be held with Napoli’s director, Giovanni Manna, who has returned to London for discussions concerning Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Billy Gilmour.
Despite the renewed interest, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta recently downplayed the need for a new striker, expressing confidence in his current options: Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Leandro Trossard. “We have faith in our strikers to lead the line this season,” Arteta stated, addressing transfer rumors.
Whether Arsenal will formalize an offer for Osimhen remains uncertain. Still, Napoli will undoubtedly be eager to hear substantial proposals as they aim to secure a deal for the 25-year-old before the transfer window closes.
Meanwhile, Napoli are nearing an agreement to sign Lukaku from Chelsea, although the Blues’ pursuit of Osimhen remains a separate matter. Chelsea, having already spent heavily this summer, are reportedly considering an initial loan deal for Osimhen, though the striker has expressed reluctance towards a loan unless it includes an obligation to make the move permanent next summer.
PSG, who have already agreed on personal terms with Osimhen, are also in the mix but have hesitated at Napoli’s initial asking price.
The transfer saga continues, with all eyes on whether Arsenal can secure one of Europe’s most sought-after strikers before the window shuts.
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