Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen has given the clearest indication yet that he could leave the Turkish champions this summer, declining to rule out a move to Arsenal after mounting speculation linking him with the Emirates Stadium.
The 27-year-old, who scored twice in a 2-2 opening-day draw with newly-promoted Corum FK, addressed the transfer talk after the match, striking a diplomatic tone without closing the door on a departure.
“There are always rumours during the transfer windows. I will focus on my job. I am focused on my work. We will see and think about what comes next then,” Osimhen said.
According to Spanish publication SPORT, Barcelona were offered the chance to sign the forward but have decided to pursue other options, a development that reportedly leaves Arsenal with a clear pathway to the Nigerian, who is valued by Transfermarkt at just over £64 million.
Galatasaray have also reportedly rejected a recent €130 million offer for the striker from Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal, while Arsenal are said to have reopened talks over a possible move.
Mikel Arteta’s side, who open the 2026-27 season on Sunday against Manchester City in the Community Shield, scored just 71 Premier League goals last term and have so far failed to land targets such as Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola and Julian Alvarez, leaving their forward line looking short ahead of the September one deadline.
Despite the speculation, Osimhen said he remained committed to Galatasaray, who he is contracted to until June 2029.
“It is going to be a tough season. The team is aware of that. I am ready to give everything for this club. This was an important wake-up call. It was a wake-up call for the players too,” he said.
The Nigeria international went over to apologise to the Galatasaray ultras after the draw, having felt responsible for his side’s failure to secure maximum points in their season opener, and called for a collective response from his teammates in the matches ahead.
“We have to give everything on the pitch. Our fans give us incredible energy, they always support us. We need to reciprocate. We need to gain momentum before the Champions League. We need to fight very well from the very first match,” he added.
Osimhen has scored 53 goals in 69 appearances for Galatasaray since joining from Napoli, where he scored 65 goals in 108 Italian top-flight appearances. Okan Buruk’s side will next travel to face fellow promoted side Erzurumspor as they look for their first win of the campaign.
Credit: punchng.com
