Victor Osimhen Transfer Update: Arsenal Receives Boost, Faces £110m Challenge, Chelsea Makes Final Decision

Arsenal transfer news continues to highlight Victor Osimhen as a prime summer target for Mikel Arteta and Edu.

Victor Osimhen is expected to leave Napoli during the upcoming transfer window. Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, and Chelsea have all shown interest in the Nigeria international. However, enthusiasm may have waned after his recent performance failed to match his impressive 2022/23 season.

In the recent campaign, Osimhen scored 17 goals in 32 appearances, a notable drop from his tally in Napoli’s Scudetto-winning season. Despite this, there remains some interest, although his £113 million release clause, added to his new contract just six months ago, presents a significant challenge.

Both Arsenal and Chelsea need a new striker, while PSG seeks a replacement for Kylian Mbappe. Here’s the latest on Osimhen as the summer window approaches.

According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Arsenal is currently the only team actively pursuing Osimhen.

“Osimhen, we assume that he will go away,” Di Marzio said via Il Napolista. “At the moment, there is only Arsenal, who are far from the clause.

“If he were to leave, and at the moment it is not certain, the very first choice would be [Romelu] Lukaku, the alternative is [Artem] Dovbyk from Girona.”

Arsenal faces a financial challenge in securing Osimhen. Following a spending spree of over £200 million last summer, the Gunners must tread carefully to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

Football.london reports that Arsenal is unlikely to make any high-cost signings similar to the Declan Rice deal from last summer. Thus, meeting Osimhen’s triple-figure release clause appears improbable.

Chelsea initially seemed to be leading the race to sign Osimhen but has since stepped back.

Reports indicate that the Blues are no longer pursuing the striker, unwilling to meet his release clause. Concerns about his injury record and fit within Enzo Maresca’s play style have also influenced their decision.