Arsenal talks for Victor Osimhen hinge on striker accepting lower wages

Arsenal have opened negotiations with Galatasaray over a potential deal for Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, but the transfer will only progress if the 27-year-old agrees to reduce his salary.

French outlet Foot Mercato reports that Arsenal are looking for a forward capable of delivering goals consistently as they prepare to compete with Viktor Gyokeres and give manager Mikel Arteta greater strength in attack.

Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence on Friday against newly promoted Coventry City, and Osimhen is regarded as a player who could add further quality to their forward options. However, despite their interest, the Premier League champions have not yet decided to make a formal offer to Galatasaray.

The key obstacle is the Nigerian’s personal terms. Osimhen currently earns a net annual salary of €20m at Galatasaray, with whom he is under contract until 2029. Arsenal are unwilling to match that figure, meaning the striker would have to accept a pay cut before the London club considers moving forward with the proposed transfer.

The two sides remain some distance apart on the contractual conditions, and there is no agreement in place at this stage. Arsenal’s interest has therefore not disappeared, but the club’s position on wages means the outcome depends largely on whether Osimhen is prepared to change his financial expectations.

Osimhen’s performances for Galatasaray last season have made him an attractive target for Arteta. He recorded 30 goal contributions during the campaign, strengthening his reputation as a reliable source of goals and helping explain Arsenal’s interest in adding him to their attacking group.

Even so, his current remuneration represents a significant barrier. Arsenal will continue to monitor the situation and remain interested in the deal if Osimhen agrees to lower his salary. Without that concession, the club is not prepared to offer him the same net annual wage he receives in Turkiye.

The negotiations with Galatasaray are consequently at an early and uncertain stage. Arsenal are assessing whether a deal can be reached on terms that fit their requirements, while Osimhen’s decision over his wages will determine whether discussions develop into a formal bid.

At present, the transfer remains possible but far from complete. Arsenal want a proven goalscorer to strengthen their challenge and provide competition for Viktor Gyokeres, yet they have made clear that their interest does not extend to matching Osimhen’s existing Galatasaray contract.