Riccardo Calafiori remains the only new addition to Arsenal’s squad this summer, but the club are expected to announce Mikel Merino’s arrival soon.
A marquee striker should be prioritised next and the Gunners have a brilliant opportunity to land Victor Osimhen for a reduced transfer fee from Napoli.
The Serie A outfit were reluctant to accept anything less than Osimhen’s £111 million release clause in July, but they lowered the price to £85m earlier this month.
Napoli have reduced their valuation further in the last 24 hours. Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that they are ready to accept just over £55m from Saudi Pro League giants Al-Ahli.
Osimhen has not agreed terms with Al-Ahli and his agent Roberto Calenda has made it clear that the striker ‘still has so much to do in Europe’.
Calenda’s update should be a huge boost for top European clubs and Arsenal should make a late swoop for the Nigerian star before Friday’s transfer deadline.
Gunners should make a late move for Osimhen
Arsenal have started the season with Kai Havertz as their first-choice centre-forward. Gabriel Jesus is the back-up option, but he is sidelined with a groin issue.
The club have yet to provide an update on the timescale for the setback, but Jesus’ unreliable fitness means that Arsenal must secure a marquee striker this week.
With Eddie Nketiah ‘expected‘ to join Crystal Palace for a £30m fee, Arsenal can’t afford to conclude the transfer window with just one fit and reliable centre-forward.
Havertz has had a brilliant year with almost 20 goal contributions in the Premier League, but he still has the tendency of squandering scoring chances.
Osimhen, who was described as ‘world-class‘ by Jose Mourinho, would be a statement signing. The 25-year-old has registered 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 games for Napoli.
He has averaged a goal contribution in every 103 minutes. A striker of his calibre would greatly help the Gunners to end their two-decade-long wait for the English crown.
Osimhen earns a basic salary of £210,000 per week at Napoli. Arsenal should have no problem in paying him between £250,000 to £280,000 weekly to bring him to London.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com.
This article was written by .
