The Nigerian striker has been the subject of persistent transfer talk with the London club throughout recent months, though the ongoing speculation surrounding the forward raises questions about the future of Viktor Gyokeres at the club.
Victor Osimhen would be required to accept reduced terms if he is to complete a switch to the north London outfit. The forward from Nigeria has consistently been associated with a potential move to the Emirates.
Intelligence from France indicates that Arsenal view the former Napoli man as additional cover for Gyokeres rather than a successor to the Swedish international. Gyokeres, who arrived from Sporting twelve months ago in a deal worth £55million, has seen his name mentioned in exit speculation and was named among the substitutes for Arsenal’s opening Premier League fixture against Coventry City.
Earlier reports had suggested Barcelona were preparing a bid for Gyokeres, though sources indicate the former Coventry City player will remain part of Mikel Arteta’s squad despite the connections to Osimhen and Julian Alvarez. Arsenal have been exploring options for both forwards in recent weeks.
French media outlet Foot Mercato reported that Arsenal would need the ex-Napoli striker to reduce his salary package to move forward with any deal. He currently commands £17.1million annually with the Turkish club, equating to just over £360,577 weekly, which would comfortably make him Arsenal’s top earner. At present, Bukayo Saka holds that distinction at roughly £300,000 per week.
Should Osimhen arrive, he would compete directly with both Gyokeres and Kai Havertz, who Arteta has frequently deployed as a centre-forward. With Arsenal aiming to compete across all four tournaments this season as they did previously, the manager is seeking maximum squad depth.
The Gunners now possess one of the most extensive rosters on the continent, and with continued interest in Alvarez and Osimhen, their recruitment efforts show no indication of slowing. Arteta recently indicated his desire to maintain a squad of 22 outfield players alongside a minimum of three goalkeepers.
In his most recent press duties, Arteta stated that the configuration depends on availability and the backgrounds of those players, with numerous variables at play. He explained that 22 outfield players combined with three or four goalkeepers should suffice, though more might be necessary. The manager emphasised the importance of reviewing the previous campaign, player injury histories, and the adaptability of certain individuals, expressing confidence they would determine the appropriate number through a balance of competitive intensity and team cohesion.
Arsenal’s determination to strengthen their attacking options this summer has been apparent since the outset. They were unable to secure Morgan Rogers, who opted to join Chelsea, while their high-profile attempt to acquire Vinicius Junior concluded when he committed his future to Real Madrid by signing a new contract.
Christos Tzolis’ arrival from Club Brugge is already generating enthusiasm among supporters following his two assists in the 3-0 Community Shield triumph over Manchester City.