Arsenal see possible route to Victor Osimhen after Galatasaray target two forwards

Arsenal have been given a boost in their pursuit of Victor Osimhen after opening direct negotiations with Galatasaray over the Nigeria striker.

The two clubs have discussed Osimhen during talks, with Galatasaray expressing interest in Arsenal forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri. That interest has raised the possibility of a player-exchange deal involving the Turkish club’s prolific striker.

Osimhen has long been on Arsenal’s list of potential attacking targets as they look to strengthen their squad and continue their bid to retain the Premier League title. However, Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez remains ahead of him in Arsenal’s list of priorities.

The 27-year-old has been with Galatasaray since joining on loan from Napoli in 2024. He completed a permanent move to the club last summer for 75m euros and has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances.

Osimhen has also won the Turkish league twice during his time at Galatasaray. Last season, he scored 22 goals in 33 matches.

The striker has not previously played in the Premier League, although he has spoken publicly about his ambition to move to England. In 2023, Osimhen said: “The English league is the strongest in the world, and I am doing my best to achieve my dream of playing there one day.”

Galatasaray have made a £38m offer for Martinelli, who scored only once in the league during Arsenal’s title-winning season. The Brazilian has one year remaining on his contract and faces increased competition for a place following the arrival of Christos Tzolis.

Martinelli’s future is therefore under consideration as Arsenal weigh up their attacking options. His possible departure could form part of a wider arrangement that would allow Arsenal to pursue Osimhen, although the discussions between the clubs remain at the negotiation stage.

Nwaneri’s situation is also relevant to the talks. The England Under-21 international returned to Arsenal after an unsuccessful loan spell with Marseille during the second half of last season.

Nwaneri made 11 appearances for the French club. His spell began positively when he scored on his debut, but a change of manager subsequently reduced his opportunities.

Galatasaray’s interest in both Arsenal players has created an alternative potential route for Arsenal to sign Osimhen, who remains one of the club’s established targets. Any agreement would depend on the Turkish side’s valuation of the players and the progress of negotiations over the Nigeria international.