Arsenal is prepared to offer €100 million for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, though this falls €30 million short of Napoli’s recent contract release clause, according to Italian journalist Ciro Venerato. Venerato suggests that Osimhen could likely end up at Arsenal, given Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis’s stance on not considering offers below the release clause, citing Arsenal’s recent record-breaking £105 million transfer of Declan Rice.
Venerato further explains, “[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. Napoli will have to evaluate the pros and cons.”
Arsenal initially targeted RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who opted to stay with Leipzig for another year, prompting Arsenal to explore other options to bolster their firepower and challenge Manchester City for their first Premier League title in two decades.
Following Sesko’s decision, Arsenal has turned their attention to Girona’s Artem Dovbyk, La Liga’s top scorer last season with 24 goals. However, reports from Italy suggest Arsenal is eyeing a higher-profile signing—Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen, eager for a new challenge, dreams of playing in the Premier League after an impressive performance, including 26 league goals in the 2022-23 season that helped Napoli clinch their first Serie A title since 1990, making him a desirable prospect for Arsenal.
Arsenal faces competition for Osimhen from clubs like Chelsea and PSG, especially PSG’s need to replace Kylian Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid. At 25 years old, Osimhen is entering his prime and has demonstrated leadership in team success. His potential addition could propel Arsenal to challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.
However, the financial commitment is significant, and failure to secure Osimhen or his adaptation to the Premier League could pose risks for Arsenal. With rivals also interested, Arsenal must act swiftly and decisively to secure their target.
