Galatasaray have dealt a significant blow to Arsenal’s transfer plans by insisting that striker Victor Osimhen will not be sold during the upcoming summer window, regardless of the fee offered. The Turkish champions’ firm stance complicates the Premier League club’s search for a proven goalscorer to support new signing Viktor Gyökeres and offset the potential departure of Gabriel Jesus.
Arsenal had identified the Nigeria international as a leading alternative after encountering difficulties in negotiations for Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez. The Gunners are preparing for a demanding campaign that includes Champions League football and view the 27-year-old as an ideal profile to add immediate quality and depth to their attack. However, Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has reportedly told his inner circle that the player is not for sale at any price, a position reinforced by the club’s recent rejection of a €130 million offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.
Osimhen only completed a permanent move to Istanbul last summer following a successful loan spell, with Galatasaray paying a club-record €75 million to secure his services from Napoli. Since then, he has become one of the most influential figures in the club’s recent history, scoring 59 goals in 74 appearances and helping the team win consecutive Turkish Süper Lig titles. He previously won the Serie A title with Napoli in 2023, establishing himself as one of Africa’s most prolific forwards.
Despite the Turkish club’s public resistance, Arsenal are understood to be monitoring the situation closely. The north London side’s interest has also featured in speculation regarding potential player exchanges, with Galatasaray reportedly expressing admiration for Arsenal forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri. Osimhen has been linked with moves to the Premier League throughout his career, having come close to joining Chelsea in the past, while Tottenham Hotspur have also shown interest.
For Arsenal, the challenge now extends beyond agreeing a transfer fee. The club must convince a determined Galatasaray hierarchy to part with a player they consider central to their domestic and European ambitions. With the transfer window approaching, the Gunners face a difficult decision: pursue a protracted and likely fruitless negotiation for Osimhen, or pivot decisively toward other targets to ensure their squad is strengthened in time for the new season.
