Arsenal are negotiating with Galatasaray over a possible deal for Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen, but the Premier League champions are unwilling to match the 27-year-old’s current wages.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Arsenal are looking for a reliable goalscorer who can strengthen manager Mikel Arteta’s attacking options and provide competition for Viktor Gyokeres. The club have identified Osimhen as a player capable of making a significant contribution in front of goal, following his impressive season with Galatasaray.
However, Arsenal have not yet decided to make a formal offer to their Turkish counterparts. The two clubs remain some distance apart on the player’s personal terms, which are currently the main obstacle to the proposed transfer.
Osimhen earns a net annual salary of 20m euros at Galatasaray, where he is under contract until 2029. Arsenal are not prepared to offer the same level of income, meaning the striker would need to accept a reduction in his wages for negotiations to progress.
Despite that position, Arsenal’s interest in the Nigeria international remains active. The Gunners will continue to consider the deal if Osimhen agrees to lower his salary, although there is currently no agreement between the player and the English club.
Osimhen finished last season with 30 goal contributions for Galatasaray, strengthening his reputation as one of Europe’s most productive forwards. His performances have made him a player highly valued by Arteta, but Arsenal’s admiration does not automatically guarantee that the club will submit a bid.
The timing of the negotiations comes as Arsenal begin their Premier League title defence. They face newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, with the club seeking to improve their attacking depth as they prepare for the demands of the new campaign.
Any move for Osimhen would therefore depend on two outstanding issues: whether Arsenal can reach an agreement with Galatasaray and whether the striker is willing to accept less than his existing package. Until those matters are resolved, the transfer remains uncertain.
For now, Arsenal have made clear that they will not simply replicate the financial terms of Osimhen’s contract in Turkey. Their continued involvement will depend on the player’s willingness to compromise, while Galatasaray retain the striker under a long-term agreement running through 2029.
