Arsenal in talk with Galatasaray over a swap deal for Osimhen

Premier League champions Arsenal have reportedly held talks with Turkish giants Galatasaray over the possibility of signing Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen

Galatasaray initiated discussions over Arsenal duo Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, but Osimhen has also been raised, with a stunning swap deal now a consideration.

Arsenal have been on the lookout for a world-class forward in the summer transfer window and previously expressed interest in Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior, who ended up signing a new contract with Real, while fellow target Julian Alvarez is proving difficult to land.

Alvarez is valued at over £100million by Atletico Madrid and is also of interest to Barcelona, forcing Arsenal to look elsewhere. Now an intriguing option has emerged during sporting director Andrea Berta’s discussions with Galatasaray over two possible sales.

Martinelli and Nwaneri are among the players Mikel Arteta is willing to offload this summer and Galatasaray are interested in both.

According to The Telegraph, Galatasaray have offered £38.4m for Martinelli and are also exploring a move for Nwaneri, who spent last season on loan with Marseille.

During these talks, it is reported that a move for Osimhen to Arsenal was proposed. The 27-year-old former African Player of the Year, has been one of Europe’s most prolific goalscorers in recent years and has consistently been linked with a move to the Premier League, including to Tottenham this summer.

He only joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli last summer for €75m (£64m) following a successful loan spell. Osimhen has 59 goals and 16 assists in 74 appearances for the club and is under contract until June 2029.

Martinelli appears set to leave Arsenal after seven years, 62 goals and 278 appearances at the club. He has entered the final year of his contract and has been made available for a transfer alongside Gabriel Jesus, who is of interest to Napoli.

Osimhen helped Galatasaray land the Turkish Super Lig title last season and finished as the club’s top scorer. It was his second league title with Galatasaray, after landing his first in the season before last when he was on loan from Napoli. He scored in Galatasaray’s 2-1 defeat to Villarreal, in their final pre-season game.