Victor Osimhen, the 26-year-old Nigerian striker who has dazzled at Napoli and Galatasaray, remains a tantalizing prospect for Arsenal as the 2025 transfer window unfolds.
With rumors suggesting he may stay at Napoli, Gunners fans are left wondering if their dream signing will materialize for the 2025/26 Premier League season. is Victor Osimhen to Arsenal a Dream Signing or Missed Opportunity?
Osimhen’s career trajectory
Osimhen’s career trajectory is nothing short of impressive. After a breakout stint at Lille, where he scored 18 goals in the 2019/20 season, he joined Napoli in 2020 for a reported €70m, netting 42 goals in 89 appearances. His loan move to Galatasaray in 2024/25 saw him score an incredible 36 goals in the Turkish Super Lig, per Transfermarkt, helping them secure the title. Osimhen’s physicality, aerial dominance, and relentless pressing make him a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s high-intensity system, which demands forwards who can lead the press and capitalize on chances created by players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen was widely reported earlier this year, but recent updates from ESPN suggest Manchester United has taken the lead, with active talks underway. Napoli’s €40m valuation, potentially involving a player exchange, adds complexity to the deal, according to Metro. Chelsea and Juventus are also in the race, per football.london, intensifying the competition.
Despite these challenges, Osimhen’s potential to transform Arsenal’s attack is undeniable. His proven goal-scoring prowess could address the inconsistency seen with current forwards like Gabriel Jesus, who has struggled with injuries. However, Napoli’s reluctance to sell to rivals and Osimhen’s reported openness to staying, as noted by FootballTransfers, where he expressed gratitude to Galatasaray fans, make the deal uncertain. As the transfer window progresses, Arsenal fans will hope for a breakthrough, but they may need to pivot to other targets like Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres if Osimhen’s heart remains with Napoli.
