Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal might not be able to afford the services of 24-year-old Napoli star striker Victor Osimhen.
According to Dean Jones via GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal are keen on having Victor Osimhen in their ranks. But, they might be able to afford his services at this point in time. The Gunners have already spent millions on new signings in the summer and going big for the Napoli ace in the winter window might be beyond their capabilities.
Osimhen has been doing wonders for Napoli over the past few seasons. The Nigerian international was on fire last season as he guided the Naples-based club to their first Serie A title in three decades. He played a pivotal role in their triumph with 31 goal contributions in 32 league outings.
He has carried on in a similar fashion in the ongoing season and the interest in his services is at an all-time high. While Napoli might have managed to hold onto their star in the summer, a lot has changed since, and they might have to sanction a sale in the winter.
Talks over a new contract have stalled as there are differences between the player and the club on certain terms. And, with his contract running out in the summer of 2025, Napoli might look to cash in on him. But, with over 18 months left on his deal, they are still in the driving seat and will only let him leave for a fee of £120 million.
Jones on Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen: “As far as I understand, Arsenal haven’t yet decided that they are definitely going to sign a striker of this type in January. If they are, I’m not sure where they’re going to get their money from.
“Spending as much as they did in the summer on Declan Rice was a big push for them. The thought process at the time was that they would go through all of their business right now and get David Raya through the door, but only on an initial loan to help them through and then sign him permanently next summer.
“That gives you all the signs that Arsenal are not going to have the clout to go and throw £120million at a striker in January.”
Arsenal are one of the clubs keen on having him in their ranks. They have kept aside funds to sign a top striker in the summer of 2024 according to reports. But, with Chelsea looking to push for the Nigerian international in the winter, the Gunners might not be able to compete with the Blues.
Mikel Arteta feels signing a top-number nine could help them win the Premier League. He is a big admirer of the player and is keen on having him in his ranks. The club has even been in contact with the player’s agent. But, the Gunners might not have the funds to sign him in the winter having already spent big in the summer.
Meanwhile, the Blues are ready to beat the competition by making a move for Osimhen’s services in the winter. They are keen on having him in their ranks and are looking to lure him to the club. And, according to the reports, the player is ready to make a move to Stamford Bridge if they can meet Napoli’s demands.
