Arsenal are willing to pursue a move for Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen only if the Nigeria international agrees to lower his salary demands, according to media reports, as the Premier League champions weigh a late move in the transfer window.
Osimhen earns in the region of €20 million net annually at the Turkish club, a figure reports say is well above what Arsenal are prepared to offer. The club’s current top earner, Bukayo Saka, is on a considerably lower wage, and Arsenal are said to be reluctant to break their existing salary structure to accommodate the 27-year-old striker.
The reported interest comes after Arsenal’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez stalled, with the Argentine said to have no interest in returning to the Premier League, where he previously played for Manchester City. Arsenal had held talks with Atletico over the deal but found the asking price too high.
Osimhen, who scored 22 goals last season and helped Galatasaray reach the Champions League last 16, opened this season’s Turkish Super Lig campaign with a brace. Reports differ on whether Osimhen would be willing to accept a reduced salary to join Arsenal, with some suggesting he may prefer other Premier League suitors, including interest previously reported from Manchester United and Tottenham.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking after his side’s 3-0 win over Coventry City in their season opener, said he was satisfied with his current squad when asked about further attacking additions ahead of the transfer deadline.
