Osimhen Must Cut Salary for Arsenal Switch, Club Insists

North London giants, Arsenal, are still keen on acquiring the services of Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen. However, reports indicate that the Premier League club has informed the Nigerian international that a move to the Emirates Stadium hinges on him significantly reducing his current salary expectations. Manager Mikel Arteta is actively seeking to bolster his attacking options before the summer transfer window concludes, with Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez also reportedly on Arsenal's radar.

Nevertheless, Atletico Madrid is said to be unwilling to part ways with Alvarez, and the Argentine international reportedly prefers a switch to Barcelona over a return to the Premier League. According to FootMercato, Arsenal has engaged in discussions regarding a potential deal for Osimhen, a player reportedly admired by Arteta. The report further asserts that Arsenal has "no intention of making an unreasonable offer to Osimhen" and will not match his current Galatasaray contract, which is valued at over €20 million (£17.1 million) annually.

Consequently, Osimhen faces a crucial decision: either accept a lower remuneration package from Arsenal or continue his tenure at Galatasaray. The Turkish club has already rebuffed a substantial €130 million (£111 million) bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for the prolific striker this month. Club president Dursun Ozbek is reportedly resolute in his stance against selling Osimhen this summer. Following this rejection, Al-Hilal has ceased their pursuit of Osimhen, shifting their attention to Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, though their latest £45 million offer for the England international was also reportedly turned down.

Osimhen has continued to impress, strengthening his case for ongoing interest by netting twice in Galatasaray's dominant 4-0 away victory over Erzurumspor on Friday, August 21. The 27-year-old had also found the back of the net twice in Galatasaray's 2-2 draw with newly promoted Corum FK during the opening fixture of the Super Lig season. Despite the swirling transfer rumours, Osimhen has maintained an open mind about either staying in Turkey or making a move before the transfer window closes. He stated, ‘There are always rumours during the transfer windows. I’ll focus on my job. I’m focused on my work. We’ll see and think about what comes next then.’