Reports indicate that Napoli is open to selling their star striker, Victor Osimhen, to Arsenal, but with a significant condition that may complicate the deal for manager Mikel Arteta.
As Arsenal looks to strengthen their attacking options in upcoming transfer windows—whether in January or next summer—the need for a world-class striker has become more pressing.
In the last transfer window, Arsenal chose not to pursue a traditional goal-scorer but instead bolstered their forward line with Kai Havertz, a versatile player capable of filling multiple roles.
This left Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus as the primary strikers in Arteta’s squad. However, Arsenal’s performance and ambitions in top-tier competitions could prompt a shift in strategy, as the Gunners may recognize the need for an elite forward capable of competing at the highest level.
Victor Osimhen, one of the most sought-after strikers in world football, has been at the center of transfer speculation, especially following a public fallout with Napoli’s management.
The incident began when Napoli mocked Osimhen on their official TikTok account, sparking a controversy that led to reports suggesting Osimhen was contemplating legal action against the club. Despite this, Osimhen has remained with Napoli, but the rift has fueled ongoing rumors about his future.
According to Calciomercato, Napoli is reportedly willing to sell Osimhen in the summer, but they are asking for a significant condition that could make the deal difficult for Arsenal to accept. Specifically, the Serie A club is demanding the inclusion of Gabriel Jesus in the transfer, in addition to a substantial transfer fee.
Given that Arsenal paid £50 million for Jesus, and with Osimhen’s value reportedly exceeding £100 million, the proposed deal would place a heavy financial burden on the club.
Gabriel Jesus has been integral to Arteta’s tactical plans since joining Arsenal, contributing greatly to their attacking play. As a result, it is highly unlikely that Arteta would be willing to part with the Brazilian striker, making the swap scenario a tough decision for the club.
In light of this, Arsenal is considering other alternatives for bolstering their strike force. One such option is Ivan Toney of Brentford, who will become available for transfer after serving his gambling suspension, which ends this winter.
Toney’s availability presents Arsenal with another opportunity to strengthen their attack without sacrificing key players from the current squad.
While the potential acquisition of Osimhen remains an appealing prospect for Arsenal, the complexities of the deal—including the high financial cost and the impact on the squad dynamics—could make it a challenging move for Arteta to pursue.
Therefore, while Osimhen’s name remains linked with the club, Arsenal’s decision-making will have to balance long-term ambitions with immediate squad needs.
