Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has insisted that Nigeria’s Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, will not be sold, despite growing interest in the former Lille striker from Arsenal and Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Osimhen has emerged as a major transfer target for Arsenal, with the Premier League club discussing his availability with Galatasaray during talks between the two clubs.
The discussions have reportedly also involved Arsenal forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
Al-Hilal have also been linked with a move for the former Napoli forward, with reports claiming that the Saudi club previously made a significant offer for the striker.
Galatasaray has maintained its determination to keep Osimhen despite the interest from abroad.
With speculation surrounding the 27-year-old’s future continuing to grow, Özbek has now made the club’s position clear.
Speaking to 343 Digital, the Galatasaray president explained that the club would not accept a proposal that could negatively affect its interests before specifically addressing Osimhen’s situation.
I will only accept deals that benefit Galatasaray. What I said about Barış Alper Yılmaz, I am now saying even more strongly about Osimhen. No matter how much the price is, I am not selling Osimhen,” he said as quoted by Habersarikirmizi.
The statement represents another firm indication that Galatasaray have no intention of allowing Osimhen to leave during the current transfer window, regardless of the level of interest from potential suitors.
Meanwhile, Victor Osimhen has addressed speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal after scoring twice to rescue a point for Galatasaray in their 2-2 draw against Çorum FK on Friday. Soccer
Osimhen struck twice, including a late equaliser, as Galatasaray were held to a disappointing draw in their opening match.
The result prompted the Nigerian striker to describe the encounter as a wake-up call for his team ahead of a demanding season.
Reflecting on the result after the match, Osimhen admitted that the disappointment should serve as a warning to Galatasaray, insisting that the team must learn from the mistakes made against their opponents.
“Disappointment! I think it was actually a wake-up call. We weren’t underestimating our opponent. These kinds of opponents are tough. We knew they would challenge us, and they did,” he was quoted by the club’s official website as saying, “We knew they would challenge us, and they did.”
The striker added that Galatasaray must improve as they prepare for more difficult fixtures, stressing the importance of learning from Friday’s performance.
“We need to wake up. We’re experiencing disappointment. Let this be a wake-up call. Knowing that all the upcoming matches will be difficult, we will learn from our mistakes, improve ourselves, and continue on our way,” he added.
Osimhen was also asked about the growing transfer speculation surrounding his future, with Arsenal among the clubs linked with the Nigerian forward. Soccer
Recent reports have indicated that Arsenal and Galatasaray have discussed a possible deal involving Osimhen during negotiations between the two clubs.
However, the 27-year-old refused to be drawn into the speculation and insisted that his immediate priority remains his work at Galatasaray.
“Rumors always circulate during the transfer window. I’ll focus on my job. I’m focused on my work. We’ll see and think about the future then,” he revealed.
Osimhen also reiterated his commitment to Galatasaray as the club prepares for what he expects to be a challenging campaign, while highlighting the importance of building momentum before their Champions League campaign.
“It’s going to be a tough season. As a team, we’re aware of that. I’m ready to give everything for the club. I think this was an important match to wake us up. As players, we have a lot to work on. We need to give our all on the pitch,” he stated.
The Nigeria international further praised Galatasaray supporters for their backing and called on the team to repay their support with improved performances.
“Our fans give us incredible energy, and they’re always behind us. We need to reciprocate that. We need to gain momentum before the Champions League. We need to fight very hard from the very first match,” he said.
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