Napoli is reportedly open to selling their star striker, Victor Osimhen, to Arsenal, but with a significant condition that might complicate the move for manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal is eager to bolster their attacking options in upcoming transfer windows, whether in January or the summer. Their need for a top-tier striker has become more pressing as they aim to compete at the highest level across all competitions.
During the last transfer window, Arsenal refrained from signing a traditional goal-scorer, opting instead for the versatile Kai Havertz to strengthen their forward line.
This decision left Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus as the primary strikers in Arteta’s squad. However, recent performances and the club’s lofty ambitions have prompted a reassessment of their attacking strategy, emphasizing the need for an elite forward.
Victor Osimhen, regarded as one of the most sought-after strikers in football, has been at the heart of transfer speculation, especially following a public dispute with Napoli.
The controversy arose when Napoli mocked Osimhen on their official TikTok account, leading to backlash and reports of Osimhen considering legal action. While he remains a Napoli player, the tension has fueled speculation about his potential departure.
According to Calciomercato, Napoli is open to selling Osimhen next summer but on the condition that Gabriel Jesus is included in the deal, along with a significant transfer fee. Given Arsenal’s £50 million investment in Jesus and Osimhen’s valuation exceeding £100 million, this deal would impose a considerable financial strain on the club.
Gabriel Jesus has been integral to Arteta’s tactical setup, playing a pivotal role in Arsenal’s attack. Consequently, it is unlikely that Arteta would be willing to part with the Brazilian, making the proposed swap deal a tough decision for the club.
As a result, Arsenal is exploring alternative options to enhance their strike force. Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who becomes available after his gambling suspension this winter, is one such option. Toney’s signing would allow Arsenal to reinforce their attack without losing key players from their current squad.
While the idea of signing Osimhen is enticing, the financial demands and potential impact on squad dynamics make the deal challenging. Arsenal must carefully balance their long-term aspirations with the immediate needs of the team when deciding on their next move.
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