Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has broken his silence on reports linking him with a summer move to Arsenal, refusing to rule out a potential transfer while insisting his immediate focus remains on his Turkish club.
The Nigeria international has emerged as a reported target for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the new season.
Osimhen addressed the speculation after scoring twice in Galatasaray’s 2-2 draw with Corum FK in their season opener, offering a cautious response to questions about his future.
‘There are always rumours during transfer seasons,’ Osimhen told reporters. ‘I will take care of my business. I am focused on my job; then we will see and think further.’
Osimhen keeps Arsenal door open
While the 27-year-old did not directly express an interest in joining Arsenal, his comments leave the door open to a possible move before the transfer window closes.
Osimhen has been linked with the Premier League throughout his career and previously admitted that playing in England remains one of his ambitions.
‘I’m working so hard to make sure that I achieve my dream of playing in the Premier League someday,’ he said in 2023.
Arsenal are reportedly considering several attacking options as they seek greater firepower, with Osimhen among the names linked with the Gunners.
His name was also reportedly mentioned when Galatasaray approached Arsenal over potential deals involving Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
However, reports have suggested that discussions over Osimhen have so far been limited, with Galatasaray and the striker’s representatives understood to have been the parties involved in conversations about his future.
pound 75m price tag
Any potential deal for Osimhen is expected to command a substantial fee after Galatasaray paid a club-record pound 75 million to sign him permanently from Napoli last summer.
The Nigerian spent the previous season on loan at Galatasaray before making his move permanent following an outstanding campaign in Turkey.
Osimhen has since helped Galatasaray secure back-to-back Turkish Super Lig titles, having previously won the Serie A title with Napoli in 2023.
His impressive scoring record has continued to attract interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, but Galatasaray are under no immediate pressure to sell the forward.