West Ham United are reportedly set for fresh talks with FC Nordsjaelland for the signing of attacker Ibrahim Osman, but Arsenal are now trying to sensationally hijack the move.
According to Football Insider, Arsenal are trying to hijack a deal for West Ham United target Ibrahim Osman in the closing stages of the window.
There could be a major reshuffle on the wings for West Ham before the window slams shut. Said Benrahma is set to join Ligue 1 strugglers Lyon on loan with an option to buy, while there has also been exit speculation for Pablo Fornals and Maxwel Cornet.
On the flip side, the Hammers’ are desperate to replenish the ranks and have identified Nordsjaelland’s Osman as one of the suitable candidates, but progress has been slow.
The Hammers had been in negotiations with FC Nordsjaelland throughout last week in the hope of reaching an agreement worth around £16 million to sign the 19-year-old. The Danish side are commanding a fee well in excess of West Ham’s rejected opening bid to give the green light to a sale.
That has led to rampant speculation the deal is in serious doubt, with the Hammers’ assessing alternative options for some time. Now, it looks like they are desperate to resume their pursuit of the 19-year-old, and plan to hold new talks with Nordsjaelland imminently. However, the East Londoners’ are not the only club in the race.
The report adds that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal could hijack the deal for Osman as they look to keep building their squad for the future. The teenage sensation has made 16 Danish Super Liga appearances for Nordsjaelland, scoring once and seemingly impressing the Premier League scouts.
While the striking department is arguably more of a pressing concern for the Gunners’ before the window slams shut, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah the only options to select from for Arteta, they could certainly benefit from more cover on the wings would be useful given how much Bukayo Saka’s excessive minutes in recent seasons.
In that respect, Osman appears to be the sort of player who might come in without high hopes for regular playing time, but could be beneficial as a backup until he develops further.
