Arsenal hold talks with Galatasaray for Victor Osimhen

Arsenal have discussed Victor Osimhen as part of wider talks involving Galatasaray’s interest in Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, according to the Telegraph.

Galatasaray have submitted a £38.4 million offer for Martinelli and also expressed interest in Nwaneri, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille.

The discussions with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta have been wide-ranging, with Osimhen’s name entering the picture.

It is unclear whether Arsenal raised the possibility of signing the Nigeria international or whether Galatasaray made the striker available as part of the negotiations.

Arsenal have long-standing interest in Osimhen, although he was behind Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez on their list of preferred striker targets.

Alvarez is Arsenal’s first choice, but Atletico’s £100m-plus valuation is a problem, plus he wants to move to Barcelona.

The Gunners are considering alternative options and have turned to Osimhen.

The Nigerian international has established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific forwards during spells with Napoli and Galatasaray.

He bagged 22 goals and eight assists to spearhead Galatasaray to the league title last term after previously helping Napoli win their third Scudetto after 33 years.

Osimhen outperformed Alvarez last season and is a better fit for the centre-forward role. He is one of the best in the world aerially and a physically dominant juggernaut on his day.

If manager Mikel Arteta can rein in his overly aggressive tendencies, he can be the top centre-forward the Gunners need to hold on to their Premier League crown.

Osimhen has also been linked with Tottenham Hotspur, who are looking to strengthen their attack, potentially setting up an intriguing battle between the two clubs.