The North Londoners are in desperate need of a striker, and the Nigerian is at the top of their wish list. Victor Osimhen of Napoli has hinted that a move to Arsenal is possible, saying that “anything can happen” during the summer transfer window. With Alexandre Lacazette joining Lyon on a free transfer, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaving for Barcelona, and Eddie Nketiah still to sign a new contract at the Emirates, the Gunners are looking to improve their attacking options. Mikel Arteta has identified Osimhen as a major target for the 2022-23 season, and the player is aware of the reports linking him to the Emirates.
Speaking to the press while on international duty with the Super Eagles, the 23-year-old said: “I don’t know my future, I know anything can happen, but now I just want to go on vacation with my family, clear my head and recharge my batteries. Then we’ll take care of the rest. “I know there are many rumours that they would like me in Spain or in England, but I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about it now that I’m with the national team.”
As GOAL previously reported, Osimhen’s agent is understood to have flown to London mid-May to discuss a potential transfer with Arsenal’s technical director Edu. The Gunners are, however, aware that a deal will not be cheap, with Osimhen having three years left on his contract and Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis – a known tough negotiator – having paid £68 million ($85m) to sign the attacker from Lille. Additionally, Napoli have qualified for the Champions League next season while Arsenal have not, a fact that could potentially affect Osimhen’s decision in the long run.