Arsenal’s Osimhen Pursuit Hits Wall As Galatasaray Reject

Turkish champions Galatasaray have reportedly turned down an ambitious bid from Arsenal involving Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres and an additional €30 million in exchange for Nigerian international Victor Osimhen, reaffirming their determination to keep the Super Eagles star in Istanbul.

According to reporters, senior Arsenal officials travelled to Turkey in an attempt to convince Galatasaray to sanction the transfer, but the club rejected the proposal outright. 

The reported offer would have seen Gyökeres join the Turkish giants, with Arsenal adding €30 million to secure Osimhen’s signature.

Galatasaray are said to value Osimhen at between €130 million and €150 million and have made it clear they are unwilling to negotiate below that figure. The Nigerian striker is also reportedly attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

The club’s firm stance is backed by Osimhen’s outstanding performances since completing his permanent move to Galatasaray. 

The 27-year-old has scored 59 goals and registered 16 assists in 74 appearances across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in the club’s consecutive Turkish Super Lig triumphs and consistent UEFA Champions League qualification.

Osimhen has also become a key figure under head coach Okan Buruk, earning widespread admiration from the club’s supporters.

Arsenal’s interest in the former Napoli forward is not new. Sporting director Andrea Berta is reported to have monitored the striker previously, with the renewed pursuit coming amid questions over Gyökeres’ adaptation following his move from Sporting CP.

Galatasaray strengthened their position by tying Osimhen to a four-year contract running until June 2029. The deal, reportedly worth around €21 million net per season, is regarded as the most lucrative player contract in Turkish football history.

The Turkish club paid Napoli €75 million to sign Osimhen permanently, with the Italian side retaining a 10 percent sell-on clause.

 The agreement also includes a restriction preventing Galatasaray from selling the striker back to an Italian club before 2027 without incurring a significant financial penalty.

Despite growing transfer speculation, Osimhen is understood to be content at Galatasaray after holding positive discussions with club officials ahead of the new season.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also indicated that the situation remains stable, with the Nigerian striker expected to stay in Istanbul unless an exceptional offer arrives from the English Premier League.