Arsenal send formal interest letter for Nigeria striker Osimhen

Arsenal have sent Galatasaray a formal letter expressing interest in signing Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen. The communication is an initial step and does not represent an official transfer offer for the 27-year-old forward.

Galatasaray are waiting for a formal bid before deciding whether to begin serious negotiations. The Turkish club’s president, Dursun Özbek, has said the club does not intend to sell Osimhen this summer, meaning Arsenal may need to make a substantial proposal to change that position.

The fee being discussed is above £100 million, a figure that could make the move an African transfer record. Arsenal’s approach also comes with Manchester United exploring the same possibility. United have contacted Galatasaray for information, but they have not submitted a bid and there is no agreement between either club and the player’s current side.

Osimhen has become one of the most sought-after forwards available after his performances for Galatasaray. The former Napoli striker brings pace in behind defences, power when running with the ball and a strong presence in the penalty area. Those qualities fit Arsenal’s search for additional attacking strength.

Arsenal had also been linked with Atlético Madrid forward Julian Alvarez, although the cost of that potential deal has encouraged the Premier League champions to consider other targets. Manager Mikel Arteta is now overseeing a process that has placed Osimhen clearly among the club’s attacking options.

Osimhen has so far avoided committing himself to a transfer outcome. After Galatasaray’s 2-2 draw with Corum FK, he indicated that transfer speculation was part of football and said his immediate focus remained on his work before considering what comes next.

Arsenal enter the move in strong recent form, with four wins and one draw in their last five listed matches. They beat Crystal Palace, Burnley, West Ham and Atlético Madrid, while drawing 1-1 away to Paris Saint-Germain. Their next fixture is at home to Coventry in the Premier League on August 21, 2026.