Charles Watts insists Edu Gaspar has held talks with Victor Osimhen’s agent previously, which does not hint at an imminent summer move.
According to Charles Watts on Caught Offside, Edu Gaspar had held talks with Victor Osimhen’s agent over a move back in the summer of 2022. The Gunners are in the market for a new striker, as per recent reports, and the Nigerian could well become a key target, although he has a humungous price tag.
Edu Gaspar held Victor Osimhen talks
Victor Osimhen is one of the coveted striker names on the list of many top clubs, probably including Arsenal. Chelsea are also keen, and as per many reports, they are ideally in the chase for the 25-year-old Napoli star, who has a mammoth €130 million release clause attached to his contract in Naples.
Napoli have made it clear they will not negotiate the price down and will expect interested clubs to pay the total value of Osimhen’s €130 million release clause. That does help narrow down the clubs interested in him based on their financial capacity, although Arsenal are among those capable of paying up.
Arsenal are expected to sign a new striker in the summer, and there are plenty of options. However, the name of Osimhen would get fans excited about the prospect, as Arsenal-based journalist Charles Watts said precisely that, as he mentioned a potential meeting between Edu Gaspar and the Nigerian’s agent, although it took place in the summer of 2022 when the Gunners ended up signing Gabriel Jesus.
Watts said, “It’s no great secret that Arsenal want to sign a striker this summer. When the window opens, it will be the priority, along with a midfielder and potentially another wide attacker.
“It will be interesting to see whether they move for Victor Osimhen. He, like Toney, is a player they like, and I know that his representatives have visited Arsenal’s training ground to talk with Edu.
“Those talks took place in the summer when Arsenal eventually signed Gabriel Jesus. Jesus was always the priority that year, but Osimhen was definitely a player they viewed as a serious alternative.
“That interest will remain, but the Nigerian could prove to be too costly an option in a summer given Arsenal want to spread their budget around as they look to take the squad to the next level.”
Arsenal striker shortlist
Arsenal are not chasing Osimhen as their only target in the summer. In truth, it won’t come as a surprise if the Gunners pull out of the race for the Nigerian, citing his huge asking price. In any case, there are other options on the table, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Joshua Zirkzee.
Meanwhile, they could also resume a chase for Ivan Toney, who might be looking to leave Brentford. In any case, The Gunners will target a new striker and will try for Osimhen, should the conditions favour a move.
