Arsenal may bolster their squad further after beginning their defence of the Premier League crown in dominant style
Galatasaray have opened negotiations for a forward as Victor Osimhen remains connected to Arsenal
The north London side launched their title defence with an emphatic 3-0 success against Coventry City on Friday evening. The champions controlled proceedings against the newly-promoted visitors at their home ground.
Mikel Arteta’s side demonstrated composure going forward, with Kai Havertz leading the attack in front of Victor Gyokeres. The German justified the manager’s decision to select him from the start by opening the scoring quarter of an hour into the contest. Havertz’s effort was followed by goals from Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Despite this attacking display, the Gunners have not been discouraged from pursuing additional forward options. Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez continues to feature prominently on Arteta’s list of targets, although the Argentine has made clear his preference to join Barcelona.
Nonetheless, Arsenal are determined not to give up on their chase for the 26-year-old and have allegedly tabled a conclusive bid to tempt him to relocate. Meanwhile, the club are understood to have opened talks with a seasoned European marksman.
Arsenal enter talks with Galatasaray over Victor Osimhen
According to Foot Mercato, Arsenal have commenced discussions with Galatasaray about Victor Osimhen. The forward’s name had previously arisen during negotiations when the Turkish side attempted to sign Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli.
The Nigeria international has thrived in Turkey, having helped the club secure back-to-back league championships. However, the 27-year-old’s situation remains unclear, with Tottenham also reportedly tracking the former Napoli star.
The French source indicates that Osimhen’s existing salary of £17.1m would complicate any potential move, meaning the striker would need to accept a substantial wage cut.
Julian Alvarez has long been a key target for Arsenal this summer
Julian Alvarez has been open about his unwillingness to return to England after leaving Manchester City in 2024 for Atletico Madrid. Nevertheless, the Argentine’s stance is not preventing Arsenal from making a final attempt to sign him, according to SPORT.
The Spanish outlet reports that Atletico would prefer their striker to move to Arsenal rather than their La Liga rivals, with the Gunners prepared to offer Victor Gyokeres plus €80million in exchange for Alvarez.
Reports also suggest the north London club are ready to provide the Argentina international with an annual salary of €25m, which would rank him among their top earners. This impressive figure would reportedly see Alvarez’s current wages double.