Galatasaray President, Dursun Özbek has issued a fresh warning to Arsenal over Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, insisting the Turkish champions have no intention of selling the Super Eagles striker.
Osimhen’s name has entered discussions between Galatasaray and Arsenal, with the Premier League champions exploring the possibility of signing the Nigerian forward.
According to The Standard UK, the talks between the two clubs initially centred on Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli, with Galatasaray submitting a £38.5 million offer for the Brazil international.
Ethan Nwaneri was also discussed, but according to The Telegraph, Osimhen’s availability was raised during negotiations between the clubs.
It remains unclear whether Arsenal sporting director, Andrea Berta initiated the conversation about Osimhen or whether the Nigerian was offered to the Gunners.
Arsenal have maintained a long-standing interest in the 27-year-old and are still searching for another forward before the transfer window closes. However, Galatasaray’s latest position could make any potential move extremely difficult.
Özbek has made it clear that Galatasaray are not interested in losing their star striker, regardless of the size of the offer. Speaking to 343 Digital, the Galatasaray president delivered a firm message about Osimhen’s future.
“I will not sell Osimhen no matter how much money it is,” the 77-year-old said in quotes revealed by Haber Sariki Mirzi.
The statement comes after Galatasaray rejected a €130 million (£111m) offer from Saudi Pro League club Al Hilal for the Nigerian striker.
The decision underlines just how important Osimhen has become to the Turkish champions following his impressive spell in Istanbul.
The Nigerian joined Galatasaray permanently after his initial loan spell and has continued to establish himself as the club’s most important attacking player.
Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen comes as Mikel Arteta looks to add another attacking option to his squad. The Gunners manager admitted after Arsenal’s final pre-season game against Como that the club remains active in the transfer market, although he warned that finding the right player would not be straightforward.
“I think for the margins to improve, there are very few players in the market that are available to do that and bring that to the club.”
“But again, we are actively looking to improve that and we’re going to try.”
Osimhen would offer Arsenal a different profile in attack, combining explosive pace, physical strength, aerial ability and an aggressive approach to pressing, but with Galatasaray refusing to consider a sale, Arsenal may have to look elsewhere unless the Turkish club’s position changes.