Arsenal Eyeing €100 Million Bid for Napoli’s Victor Osimhen

Arsenal is set to make a major move in the transfer market, with plans to bid €100 million for Napoli’s star striker, Victor Osimhen. Italian journalist Ciro Venerato reports that while this offer is €30 million shy of Osimhen’s release clause, Arsenal hopes to negotiate a deal that will not break their transfer record set by Declan Rice’s £105 million move last summer.

Napoli’s president, Aurelio De Laurentiis, has been firm on his stance that any offer below the release clause will not be entertained. Despite this, Arsenal is optimistic about securing Osimhen for around €100 million (£85 million). Venerato commented, “Arsenal will try for the Nigerian striker [who dreams of the Premier League], but not by paying the full release clause. Napoli will need to weigh the pros and cons.”

Initially, Arsenal targeted RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but his commitment to stay at Leipzig for another season has forced the Gunners to explore other options. As a result, their focus has shifted towards Girona’s Artem Dovbyk, La Liga’s top scorer last season with 24 goals. Nonetheless, whispers from Italy suggest that Arsenal is leaning towards a more high-profile signing, making Osimhen their prime target.

Osimhen, who has expressed his desire for a new challenge and a move to the Premier League, scored 26 league goals last season, leading Napoli to their first Serie A title since 1990. His ambition and track record make him an attractive prospect for Arsenal, who aim to bolster their squad and challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title.

Arsenal faces competition from Chelsea and PSG, with the latter needing to replace Kylian Mbappe following his transfer to Real Madrid. At 25, Osimhen is in his prime and has demonstrated his capability to lead a team to success. His potential addition to Arsenal could be the game-changer the club needs to end their two-decade wait for the Premier League trophy.

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