Galatasaray have reportedly ruled out the possibility of selling Victor Osimhen to Arsenal before the end of the transfer window, despite growing interest from the Premier League club.
According to reports in Turkey, Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has made it clear that the Nigerian striker is not available for transfer.
Arsenal have reportedly discussed a potential move for Osimhen during negotiations with Galatasaray over possible deals involving Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli last summer in a €75 million (£64.8 million) deal and has since established himself as one of the club’s most important players.
The 26-year-old has scored 59 goals in 74 appearances over the past two seasons, helping Galatasaray win consecutive Turkish Super Lig titles.
Osimhen’s future has come under renewed speculation following Arsenal’s reported interest, but the striker himself refused to rule out a move before the transfer window closes.
Speaking after scoring twice in Galatasaray’s 2-2 draw against newly promoted Corum FK in their opening league game on Friday, Osimhen said:
‘There are always rumours during the transfer windows,’ Osimhen said.
He added: ‘I’ll focus on my job. I’m focused on my work. We’ll see and think about what comes next then.’
However, according to Turkish outlet 343 Digital, Ozbek has privately insisted that Galatasaray have no intention of selling their star forward.
‘I will not say ‘yes’ to any transaction that will harm Galatasaray or not benefit Galatasaray,’ Ozbek is said to have told his inner circle.
‘What I said about Baris Alper Yilmaz, I am now saying even more strongly about Osimhen. No matter how much the price is, I am not selling Osimhen.’
Galatasaray’s stance comes after the Turkish champions reportedly rejected a €130 million (£111 million) offer from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for Osimhen earlier this week.
With Arsenal now reportedly monitoring the situation, Osimhen’s future is expected to remain one of the major talking points before the transfer window closes.
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