Micah Richards said Arsenal should have signed the ‘marvellous’ Victor Osimhen in the summer to improve their strike force.
Victor Osimhen was considered to join one of the top clubs after a stellar season with Napoli and helping them win the Serie A after a 33-year wait. However, Aurelio Di Laurentiis made it abundantly clear the 24-year-old striker was not for sale, and it would take a mammoth offer to test their resolve.
During the summer, Arsenal were one of the club looking at the forward, as Mikel Arteta wanted to add a new striker to his ranks. They did sign Kai Havertz, who has played in that role for most of his time at Chelsea, and that probably ended their pursuit of a frontman in the window.
Chelsea are also keen, and there’s a consideration that a move to Stamford Bridge makes more logical sense, according to some. The Blues could look at the Nigerian again after rumours in the media suggested Osimhen could leave Napoli after a recent debacle over a TikTok video posted by the club’s social media team.
Chelsea and Arsenal are currently chasing Ivan Toney, as some may argue the Brentford star and Osimhen have much in common with their profiles. While the former is open to joining one of those sides, the 24-year-old striker from Napoli will cost nearly double the England international.
🚨🎙️| Micah Richards on Victor Osimhen: “I was saying Arsenal should have bought him in the summer. It might have cost a little bit too much then.”
“His price might have gone down a little bit if they want to do a deal (in January).
But, yeah, he’s a top, top player.”(rest is… pic.twitter.com/1fWje489Uf— afcsphere (@afcsphere) September 30, 2023
Now, Micah Richards on the Rest is Football Podcast said Arsenal should have signed Osimhen during the summer window and avoided some complications later. He suggested that after the debacle, the 24-year-old striker’s price may have dropped a little.
Richards said, “Marvellous, he would be absolutely marvellous anywhere. This player is one of the best strikers. I was saying Arsenal should have bought him in the summer. It might have cost a little bit too much then. His price might have gone down a little bit if they wanted to do a deal (in January). But, yeah, he’s a top, top player.”
Arteta recently suggested Arsenal do not have a ‘traditional No.9’ in their setup and pointed at some of the forwards at other clubs as examples. Those included Ivan Toney, Rasmus Hojlund and Erling Haaland. Hence, the Gunners boss could angle a move for a new striker as a viable addition in the next window or summer.
Osimhen, for whatever problems he’s had with Napoli, will unlikely move in January. Next summer, there’s a big chance for the 24-year-old striker to move, with several clubs likely to queue up for his signature.
