Arsenal have reportedly reached out to Napoli star Victor Osimhen as they ramp up efforts to secure a top-class striker this summer.
The Nigerian forward has been in exceptional form since joining Napoli from Lille in 2020, scoring 76 goals across all competitions.
Osimhenโs impressive goal-scoring record has attracted interest from several Premier League clubs, as well as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite Arsenalโs initial contact, they are not currently leading the race for his signature. According to Gianluca Di Marzio via The Mirror, no substantial negotiations have taken place so far.
Paris Saint-Germain, seeking a replacement for Kylian Mbappe following his transfer to Real Madrid, have reportedly made Osimhen a top target.
However, PSG is hesitant to meet his ยฃ112 million release clause.
Chelsea, once linked with Osimhen, appear to be stepping back from the pursuit.
Enzo Maresca is reportedly favoring Atletico Madridโs Samu Omorodion, but complications have arisen following Alvaro Morataโs transfer to AC Milan.
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Arsenalโs interest in Osimhen could gain momentum following recent praise from Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho, who compared Osimhen to Chelsea legend Didier Drogba.
Mourinho stated, โHe is of the same level as Drogba, but Didier didnโt dive. If Victor changes, then OK. Iโd buy him if I was at a club with a lot of money.โ
With Chelseaโs involvement waning and Manchester United securing Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee for ยฃ36.5 million, Arsenal may see an opportunity to make a serious bid for Osimhen.
Should Arsenalโs pursuit of Osimhen falter, Sporting CPโs Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle Unitedโs Alexander Isak are potential alternatives, though both players come with significant price tagsโGyokeres has an ยฃ84 million release clause, while Isak is valued at ยฃ100 million.