Arsenal Tell Victor Osimhen to Lower Salary Demands for Potential Transfer

Arsenal remain interested in signing Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen from Galatasaray but have reportedly told the forward that he would need to accept a lower salary to make a move to north London possible.

Manager Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his attacking options before the summer transfer window closes, with Osimhen and Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez reportedly among the club’s preferred targets.

However, a move for Alvarez appears difficult, with Atletico reportedly unwilling to sell the Argentina international. Alvarez is also said to prefer a potential transfer to Barcelona rather than a return to the Premier League.

According to reports from FootMercato, Arsenal have held discussions regarding a possible deal for Osimhen, who is highly regarded by Arteta.

The report claims Arsenal are unwilling to make what they consider an excessive financial offer and have no plans to match the striker’s current salary at Galatasaray, reportedly worth more than €20 million (£17.1 million) annually.

Osimhen must therefore decide whether to accept a reduced salary package at Arsenal or remain with the Turkish champions.

Galatasaray have already demonstrated their determination to keep the Nigeria international, reportedly rejecting a €130 million (£111 million) offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal earlier this month.

Club president Dursun Ozbek is said to be reluctant to sanction Osimhen’s departure this summer.

Al-Hilal have since ended their pursuit of the Nigerian striker and turned their attention to Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins. Their reported £45 million bid for the England international has, however, been rejected.

Osimhen has continued to impress on the pitch amid the transfer speculation. The 27-year-old scored twice in Galatasaray’s 4-0 away victory over Erzurumspor on Friday, August 21.

He had also scored twice in Galatasaray’s opening Super Lig match of the season, a 2-2 draw against newly promoted Corum FK.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Osimhen has refused to commit either way, leaving the door open for a potential move before the transfer window closes.

The striker has played down the speculation, saying transfer rumours are normal during the window and that his immediate focus remains on his football.

With Arsenal still searching for additional firepower and Osimhen continuing to perform at a high level, the coming days could determine whether the Nigerian forward will remain in Turkey or begin a new chapter in the Premier League.