Arsenal now 'determined' to sign world-class forward in extraordinary deal before transfer deadline

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are 'determined' to sign a striker before the transfer deadline, it has been reported - and an official top target has been decided on.

The Gunners attempted to capitalise on the uncertainty over Vinicius Junior's Real Madrid future and prepared what would have been a blockbuster offer to bring the Brazilian to the Premier League.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta held talks with Roc Nation, who represent the 26-year-old, and were said to be willing to break their own wage structure to get a deal done.

Interest in Vinicius emerged because he had entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Bernabeu, with no clear indication for several weeks that he would renew.

Following a crunch meeting between Real chiefs and his representatives at the club's training ground, Vinicius eventually agreed to a new six-year contract to stay in Spain.

Gunners manager Arteta has been known in the past to walk away from the transfer market if Arsenal cannot secure their top target in a given position, but that appears not to be the case this time.

The Independent's Miguel Delaney reported last week that the north London club had compiled a three-player shortlist as alternatives to Vinicius, with Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, Everton's Iliman Ndiaye and PSG's Bradley Barcola all named as options.

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But in a surprise twist, Arsenal may end up signing none of them.

Arsenal 'determined' to sign striker after four-month pursuit

According to Turkish outlet Sozcu, the Gunners are now 'determined' to sign a new centre-forward, and have identified Galatasaray star Victor Osimhen as a 'more accessible and elite alternative'.

The Gunners' interest is said to date back four months to April, when sporting director Berta is claimed to have been hosted at the Fenerbahce derby by Osimhen's agent, George Gardi.

The report adds that the Nigeria striker's name was brought in conversations between Arsenal and Galatasaray over the potential availability of Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.

It was previously reported that Gala were prepared to offer a 'package deal' to sign both players, though it is understood that Martinelli has turned down the opportunity to move to the Turkish club in what would have been a £45 million deal.

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Sozcu claim that Arsenal 'appear determined to sign Osimhen within 15 days', which is the time the transfer window is left open for until it closes in England.

A sticking point could well be the fee, with Gala said to have turned down a staggering €130 million bid from Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal for Osimhen.

But the striker turned down a move to Saudi in the last summer transfer window despite the promise of mega riches, and it could be that an offer from a Premier League club - for what Gala consider to be an acceptable fee - could change the Turkish club's not-for-sale stance.

Victor Osimhen signed for Galatasaray permanently in 2025 after a season-long loan spell (Image: Getty)

Despite links throughout much of his career, 27-year-old Osimhen has never played in the Premier League.

He came through the Ultimate Strikers Academy in Nigeria, before he joined German club Wolfsburg once he turned 18.

Spells at Charleroi and Lille followed, before he spent four successful years at Napoli that included a Serie A title win in 2023.

But the striker was deemed surplus to requirements when Antonio Conte was appointed as manager, and was allowed to join Galatasaray on loan for the 2024/25 season.

The move was made permanent last summer, with Osimhen having scored 61 goals in 75 appearances - as well as winning the Turkish Super Lig title in both his seasons - since his arrival in Turkey.

He opened up his 2026/27 season with two goals as Galatasaray were held 2-2 at home by newly-promoted Corum in their opening match of the Super Lig.