Arsenal has reportedly decided to forgo pursuing a deal for Nigerian forward, Victor Osimhen, despite Napoli reducing their asking price for the 25-year-old, as reported by Umpire Sports.
The Gunners were previously linked with a significant investment in the Nigerian international, but they have now shifted their focus to other options.
As per reports from Corriere dello Sport via Football Italia, the north London club is now eyeing a move for Victor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon.
The revised contract signed by Osimhen in December 2023 has made his salary demands too high for Arsenal to consider, leading them to view Gyökeres as a more financially feasible option, and are currently prioritizing a move for him. They would still need to pay €100m as a transfer fee to secure Gyökeres’ services from his current club in Portugal.
Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea are also reportedly interested in Osimhen. On the other hand, additional reports from Italy suggest that Osimhen is set to begin pre-season training with Napoli due to a lack of substantial offers for the striker. Despite reducing the price tag to €100m from the original €130m, Napoli has faced challenges in finding a buyer willing to meet their valuation for Osimhen, with Arsenal being the most recent club to shift their focus to other targets.
Osimhen, who aspires to play in the Premier League, has garnered attention from Manchester United and Chelsea, although no formal offers have been made.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is actively pursuing Osimhen’s sale, aiming to capitalize on him this summer despite his pivotal role in their recent achievements, including the title-winning 2022/23 season.
Manchester United have been linked with a potential offer involving a player exchange for Osimhen, which would involve Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund moving from Old Trafford to Naples.
