Italian transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano has provided an update regarding the rumours linking Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen to Premier League club Arsenal ahead of the end of the summer transfer window.
The Super Eagles forward has been instrumental to Galatasaray’s wins since his transfer to Rams Park in the summer of 2024, following a successful tenure with the Italian club Napoli.
Osimhen has continued his remarkable performance into the new season, scoring four goals in his first two Super Lig matches against Çorum and Erzurumspor.
His outstanding start to the season has piqued the interest of several elite clubs, with Arsenal reportedly among those keeping an eye on the Nigerian forward as they seek to bolster their attacking options.
However, Romano has now refuted these claims, asserting that Arsenal have never initiated talks with Galatasaray regarding the former Napoli striker.
“Many of you have been inquiring about Victor Osimhen for weeks, not just today, asking if he could be a target for Arsenal and whether Arsenal are in discussions with him. This is not true, guys,” Romano clarified on his YouTube channel.
“Arsenal have never opened negotiations for Osimhen for one reason: Osimhen is not going anywhere. He is a crucial part of Galatasaray’s strategy. Osimhen is not for sale.”
The Italian transfer analyst further emphasised that Osimhen was never viewed as a viable option for Arsenal or any other club, as Galatasaray are resolute in retaining their star striker.
“Osimhen was never regarded as an option for any club because he cannot leave. He is content at Galatasaray. Galatasaray values Osimhen highly. They currently possess some exceptional players and have a fantastic squad.”
Romano also noted that the speculation may have arisen from discussions between Arsenal and Galatasaray concerning Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli.
“For Victor Osimhen to leave at this point will make no sense. Osimhen is staying. I think those rumours were just because Arsenal and Galatasaray were talking about Martinelli, but Martinelli didn’t want to go to Turkey,” he added.
With the summer transfer window approaching its deadline, Osimhen will be keen to put the transfer speculation behind him and continue his impressive goalscoring form as Galatasaray look to defend their Super Lig title.