Arsenal Open Osimhen Talks As Galatasaray Rejects €130m Al Hilal Offer

According to IReporter Online, the talks between Arsenal and Galatasaray have largely focused on Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, but Osimhen’s situation at the Turkish champions was also reportedly discussed.

The Telegraph football correspondent Matt Law reported that Galatasaray submitted a £38.4 million proposal for Martinelli while also expressing interest in Nwaneri during extensive discussions with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta.

It remains unclear whether Berta initiated discussions about Osimhen or whether the Nigerian striker was brought into the negotiations by Galatasaray as part of the wider talks.

Arsenal have reportedly admired Osimhen for some time, although Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez had previously been regarded as the club’s preferred option to strengthen its attack.

However, Arsenal’s pursuit of Alvarez has become increasingly complicated, with Atletico reportedly demanding more than £100 million for the Argentina international.

The Spanish club have also turned down an £86 million offer from Barcelona, prompting Arsenal to explore alternative attacking targets as they seek to reinforce their squad.

Osimhen already has considerable experience of interest from Premier League clubs. Chelsea held advanced negotiations with the striker two years ago when he was still at Napoli, but he eventually moved to Galatasaray on loan before the Turkish club made the transfer permanent for a reported €75 million.

Since joining Galatasaray, the Nigerian international has established himself as one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards. He has reportedly scored 59 goals in 74 appearances for the Turkish giants.

During the previous campaign, Osimhen netted 22 league goals and provided six assists in 33 Super Lig appearances, helping Galatasaray secure a second consecutive league title.

However, Galatasaray’s firm position regarding his future could make an Arsenal deal difficult to complete.

German transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg recently reported that Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal had made a verbal €130 million proposal for Osimhen through an intermediary.

Despite the staggering figure, Galatasaray reportedly rejected the approach and indicated that the club was not prepared to negotiate over the striker at this stage.

The latest development also contradicts earlier reports suggesting that Galatasaray had reduced their asking price to around €65 million amid interest from Al Hilal.

With Arsenal now reportedly exploring Osimhen’s availability and Al Hilal continuing to show interest, the Nigerian striker’s future could become one of the biggest transfer stories of the window.