Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has insisted the club will reject any approach for striker Victor Osimhen during the current transfer window, dismissing reported interest from Arsenal and Al-Hilal.
Speaking to 343 Digital in comments carried by Habersarikirmizi, Özbek issued an unequivocal stance on the Nigeria international’s future. “What I said for Barış Alper Yılmaz, I am now saying more strongly for Osimhen. No matter how much money it is, I am not selling Osimhen,” he said.
The declaration comes amid mounting speculation linking the 25-year-old with a move to the Premier League. Reports in England suggest Arsenal are prepared to include Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri in a player-plus-cash package. Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal have also been credited with an interest in the forward, who joined the Turkish champions on loan from Napoli last season.
Osimhen made an immediate impact on his return to competitive action, scoring twice in Galatasaray’s 2-2 draw against Arca Çorum FK in the opening round of the Süper Lig season. The brace underscored his value to Okan Buruk’s side as they target a title defence.
The striker arrived in Istanbul last September following a protracted standoff with Napoli, where he had fallen out of favour despite finishing as Serie A’s top scorer during their 2022-23 title-winning campaign. His loan deal includes no obligation to buy, leaving his long-term future subject to negotiation between the clubs.
Özbek’s public refusal to entertain offers signals Galatasaray’s determination to retain their centrepiece for at least the remainder of the campaign. The club currently holds a purchase option believed to be in the region of €75 million, though Napoli would need to agree to any permanent transfer.
Arsenal’s reported willingness to part with Martinelli, a regular starter under Mikel Arteta, and academy graduate Nwaneri highlights the scale of their attacking search. The Gunners have been linked with numerous forwards this summer as they look to convert domestic dominance into a first league title since 2004.
For now, Osimhen remains focused on domestic duties. His early-season form suggests he is ready to build on the 14 goals he managed in 29 league appearances last term, a tally that helped secure Galatasaray’s 24th championship.
