Victor Osimhen: The Perfect Fit For Arsenal’s No.9 Dreams?
As Arsenal continue their push for Premier League glory, talk of a new star striker at the Emirates has reached fever pitch. With the Gunners falling agonisingly short in consecutive seasons, experts and fans alike believe a true number nine could be the missing piece in Mikel Arteta's puzzle — and the latest focal point for these discussions is Nigerian powerhouse Victor Osimhen.
Much of the debate was fuelled by recent comments from former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole. Speaking candidly on The Dressing Room Podcast, Cole outlined why, in his view, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak is simply out of reach for Arsenal – both in terms of availability and likely transfer fee, with Newcastle reportedly setting an asking price well above £100 million. Instead, Cole highlighted Osimhen as a more attainable and, crucially, better fit for the north Londoners’ ambitions.
“Osimhen, I know he’s had this little strange one where he’s gone to Turkey and he’s banging in goals,” Cole said. “But he looks perfect for Arsenal for me. Isak, yeah, but why would he go to Arsenal now? If Newcastle could spend more, I can’t see Isak being an option. Osimhen is the one for me for Arsenal.”
Cole’s comments come at a time when Arsenal’s need for a prolific striker is more pressing than ever. Despite finishing second for the past two seasons, none of Arteta’s centre-forwards have managed more than 13 league goals in those campaigns. Osimhen, meanwhile, is enjoying a blistering season on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, netting an astounding 29 goals already across all competitions, including a crucial brace in Galatasaray’s recent 2-0 triumph over Samsunspor.
The Nigeria international, whose contract with parent club Napoli runs until 2026, is valued at around £55 million according to multiple reports – a fee that, while substantial, is markedly less than the sums being bandied about for Isak.
Interestingly, Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta is also said to be tracking Viktor Gyokeres, who has impressed observers such as Borges, who described the Swede as “phenomenal” and “clearly above average.” Yet it is Osimhen’s Premier League potential and proven goal-scoring pedigree that keeps him in the headlines.
Comparisons with Isak are inevitable. Isak, with 59 goals at Newcastle so far and the Magpies’ recent League Cup triumph, remains central to his club’s vision. Newcastle’s growing financial clout and willingness to reward their top players suggest a move is unlikely, even if Arsenal could afford the asking price. In contrast, Osimhen’s future appears more fluid, with Napoli happy to listen to offers and the player himself looking keen on a Premier League move.
“If he wants to go to the Premier League, he could do worse than Arsenal, given their current position and squad dynamic,” one report surmised, echoing the sentiment that all roads point to north London for the Nigerian star.
As Arsenal fans speculate over what could be a transformative summer signing, the Osimhen saga may well define the club’s transfer window. Will Arteta finally land his dream striker, or will the quest for goals continue into yet another season?
Have your say below – would Victor Osimhen be Arsenal’s missing link, or is there another name the club should pursue? Join the conversation in the comments and share your thoughts on the Gunners’ striking dilemma.
