Victor Osimhen offered to Atletico de Madrid but move blocked by finances and Julian Alvarez

Victor Osimhen has been offered to Atletico de Madrid during the current summer transfer window, but the Spanish club has rejected the approach because it cannot currently finance a deal worth €75m and already regards Julian Alvarez as occupying the Nigerian striker’s potential role.

Intermediaries presented the 27-year-old Galatasaray forward to Atletico’s hierarchy, according to Mundo Deportivo, with the Turkish club valuing him at €75m. The proposal reflects Osimhen’s strong desire to join the Madrid side and play at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Osimhen is reportedly prepared to accept a reduction in his annual salary to make the move possible. He currently earns a substantial income at Galatasaray, helped by the tax exemption available to foreign residents in Turkey during their first 20 years in the country. That arrangement significantly increases his net earnings.

The striker remains under contract with Galatasaray until the summer of 2029.

Osimhen’s interest in Atletico is also linked to his admiration for manager Diego Simeone. After Galatasaray faced Atletico in the Champions League in January, the Nigeria international spoke highly of the Argentine coach.

“I admire him, I have always been a fan of his coach… I met him twice… They play an attacking style and have a clear identity,” Osimhen said.

He added: “The coach has been here for many years, so the players are used to his style of play. I am very impressed by the match we played because Atletico are one of the best teams in the world, and drawing with them shows that you are on the right path.”

Despite the player’s willingness to consider a lower salary, Atletico have decided against pursuing the transfer. Sources close to the club say the immediate financial resources needed to complete a deal of that size are not available.

The club also believes Osimhen would be expected to perform the same role currently entrusted to Alvarez. Atletico’s board remain fully committed to the Argentina forward and have no intention of selling him, making his position another important reason for abandoning the possibility of signing Osimhen.

The Nigerian’s representatives have not limited their search to Atletico. Reports say he has also been offered to Barcelona, plus Premier League clubs Arsenal and Tottenham.

Tottenham have made a formal proposal worth more than €55m, but Galatasaray turned it down because it fell short of their financial demands. The Turkish club are holding firm on their request for €75m to release their striker.

Osimhen’s potential departure therefore remains dependent on a club meeting Galatasaray’s valuation, while Atletico’s position has been shaped by both its financial constraints and its decision to build around Alvarez.