Arsenal have held talks over Victor Osimhen's availability, but the Super Eagles striker's transfer to the Premier League is far from straightforward. Galatasaray have already rejected a €130 million offer from Al-Hilal, and Osimhen earns more than £300,000 per week, a figure that would make him the highest-paid player at Arsenal ahead of Bukayo Saka.
Galatasaray's Strong Negotiating Position
The first major obstacle is Galatasaray's lack of urgency to sell. The Turkish champions secured Osimhen permanently in 2025 following a successful loan spell and tied him to a contract running until 2029. This gives them a strong negotiating position, as they have already shown by rejecting a €130 million proposal from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.
Reports cited by Caught Offside suggest Arsenal would need to offer more than £60 million to have a realistic chance of securing Osimhen before the transfer window closes. However, the actual figure could be significantly higher depending on how strongly Galatasaray resist a sale.
Osimhen is not agitating for a move. Although he has previously expressed a desire to experience Premier League football, he has continued to perform for Galatasaray and remains an important part of their plans. That leaves Arsenal with little leverage, as they cannot rely on the player forcing his way out or pressure Galatasaray into accepting a lower fee.
Osimhen's Salary Could Break Arsenal's Wage Structure
Even if Arsenal agree a transfer fee, Osimhen's wages could become a major complication. Reports from Afrik-Foot claim the striker earns more than £300,000 per week at Galatasaray, with a previously reported figure of €360,577 per week. That would put him above Arsenal's current highest earners, with Bukayo Saka reportedly on around €351,256 per week and Kai Havertz on approximately €327,885.
A move for Osimhen could require Arsenal to make him their highest-paid player, particularly if the striker demands improved terms to leave Galatasaray. The club would need to account for wages, bonuses, and potentially significant agent fees over the length of the contract. Such a package could influence future negotiations with other key players, making the decision about more than just Osimhen's quality.
Arsenal Already Have Viktor Gyökeres
The final obstacle is Arsenal's existing investment in the striker position. The Gunners already have Viktor Gyökeres, who joined from Sporting Lisbon and played a role in their Premier League title success. Osimhen would offer a different profile with his pace, physical strength, and ability to attack crosses, potentially creating space for players like Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard.
However, Arsenal would still have to justify spending heavily on another elite striker. The question is whether Osimhen represents enough of an upgrade or tactical alternative to Gyökeres to warrant the financial commitment. Arteta has acknowledged that few players available can immediately improve his squad, and Osimhen belongs in that category, but Arsenal could instead retain Gyökeres and look for a less expensive addition.
Arsenal face a major financial decision. Galatasaray have a contract until 2029 and have already rejected a huge offer. Osimhen's reported wages would pressure Arsenal's salary structure, and the presence of Gyökeres means the club must carefully consider whether another enormous investment in the position is justified. Osimhen's desire to test himself in the Premier League could make Arsenal attractive, but that alone will not force a deal. If the Gunners decide he is the elite forward they need, they may have to spend heavily on both the transfer fee and personal terms. For now, the biggest question is not whether Osimhen would fit Arteta's football, but whether Arsenal are prepared to pay the extraordinary price required to make the transfer happen.
