Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly interested in signing Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
With both Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah poised to leave this summer, Arsenal are in desperate need of a new goalscorer and have been put in a position not seen at the Emirates since Robin Van Persie’s departure to Manchester United in 2012.
Of late, the talk circulating around the possibility of a new number 9 for Arsenal has been revolving around Gabriel Jesus, the current Manchester City and Brazilian national team gunman. However, recent developments have shown Osimhen, the Napoli and Nigerian finisher, to be of great interest for Arteta.
Rumours have been circulating that the 23 year old Nigerian international who found the back of the net 18 times in 32 games for Napoli this season had his agent fly out to London for talks with Arsenal last week. According to CalicoMercato, the Gunners, who suffered the recent disappointment of missing out on the Champions League, tabled a €90 million offer, which was subsequently rejected by Napoli.
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Negotiating with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is notoriously problematic. Something the Arsenal board is wary of, and perhaps providing reason to why the North London giants are seen to be pursuing both Jesus and Osimhen simultaneously. It remains to be seen who the number one target for Arsenal is. However, one would assume Osimhen to be that man if talks of this €90 million offer are true.
Needless to say, Arsenal have to land a striker this summer. From Ian Wright to Thierry Henry and Robin Van Persie, Arsenal have had some of the best strikers to grace the pitches of European football. They have to get it right this summer if they want to return to the lofty heights they once ruled English football from. Osimhen may be the man they need to get them there.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Arsenal, Mikel Arteta, Transfers, Victor Osimhen, Gabriel Jesus