Tottenham Hotspur have made Victor Osimhen their leading target for a new striker, with manager Roberto De Zerbi keen to reshape his attack before the start of the new season.
The London club are reported to have made initial offers worth between £50m and £55m for the Nigeria international, who is currently with Galatasaray. However, the Turkish club are holding out for about £65m before agreeing to sell their leading scorer.
Osimhen’s long-term contract and status as one of Galatasaray’s most important players are understood to be key factors behind that valuation. Tottenham are aware that a deal of this size could prove difficult after significant spending during the current transfer window, unless they can raise funds through player sales.
According to CaughtOffside, citing sources close to football agents, Tottenham have received internal approval from a sporting perspective to begin formal discussions over the transfer. Those sources also suggest that agreeing personal terms with Osimhen is not expected to be a major obstacle if the clubs can reach an agreement.
There have been no formal contacts or direct negotiations between Tottenham and Galatasaray so far, meaning the proposed transfer remains at an early stage.
De Zerbi wants to add a recognised centre-forward to a squad that still has attacking concerns. The future of Richarlison remains uncertain, while Dominic Solanke has not yet completely addressed Tottenham’s problems in front of goal.
The Italian manager is understood to regard Osimhen as an ideal focal point for a possession-based style. The striker’s physical strength, pace and intelligent movement in the penalty area are seen as qualities that could provide Tottenham with a more effective attacking outlet.
Osimhen enjoyed an outstanding campaign for Galatasaray, scoring 41 goals and supplying 10 assists in 52 appearances across all competitions. Those figures have helped attract interest from several leading clubs across Europe.
De Zerbi believes the 26-year-old could transform Tottenham’s forward line through his finishing and imposing presence near goal. Osimhen has also received strong praise from Nigeria manager Eric Chelle, who described him as “the best striker in the world” in recognition of his performances over recent seasons.
Richarlison’s situation could have a significant bearing on whether Tottenham proceed with the move. The Brazilian has yet to decide whether he will remain at the club, and The Guardian reports that De Zerbi would prefer him to stay, despite acknowledging that the player has not made a final decision.
With less than a year remaining on Richarlison’s contract, his departure could give Tottenham greater financial flexibility. It would also leave the club with a more pressing need to recruit a high-quality replacement.
Tottenham are not the only club monitoring Osimhen. Manchester United, Chelsea and Atletico de Madrid are among the other major European sides interested in the striker. That competition could increase the eventual fee and leave Tottenham in a weaker negotiating position.
Osimhen is regarded as one of Europe’s most complete forwards, combining speed, power, aggressive pressing and clinical finishing. Those attributes would make him a strong tactical fit for De Zerbi’s plans.
Financial considerations are likely to determine whether Tottenham can make the deal happen. A fee of about £60m could be viewed as a sensible compromise, while exceeding £100m would represent a major risk given the club’s heavy expenditure during the current transfer window.
