Victor Osimhen has hinted he would not turn his back on a potential move to Arsenal, even as Galatasaray's hierarchy insists the Nigerian striker is not for sale this summer.
The 26-year-old has been strongly linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium as Arsenal continue their search for a marquee forward, having already seen bids for Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers come to nothing. Osimhen's proven scoring record in Europe has made him an attractive target for Mikel Arteta's side, who are desperate to add more cutting edge to their attack.
Speaking to reporters after netting twice in Galatasaray's 2-2 draw with Corum FK on the opening day of the Turkish league season, Osimhen declined to shut down speculation linking him with a Premier League switch. Instead, he suggested he was content to let matters play out over the coming weeks.
"There are always rumours in transfer seasons," Osimhen said. "I will take care of my business. I am focused on my job, then we will see and think further."
His comments will likely be seized upon by Arsenal supporters hopeful of a deadline-day swoop, but the Gunners face a significant obstacle in Galatasaray's determination to keep hold of their star man. According to Turkish outlet 343 Digital, the club's president has made clear to executives that no offer, regardless of size, will be entertained for Osimhen.
"I will not say 'yes' to any transaction that will harm Galatasaray or not benefit Galatasaray," the Galatasaray president reportedly told staff. "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."
The stance underlines just how highly the Istanbul giants value the former Napoli forward, who has become a talismanic figure since arriving in Turkey. Galatasaray have already rebuffed one substantial offer for Osimhen this summer, turning down a £111 million bid from Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal earlier in the transfer window.
Arsenal's pursuit of a top-tier striker comes after last summer's £64 million investment in Viktor Gyokeres failed to fully resolve their goalscoring concerns. The Swedish forward has managed 21 goals in 55 appearances for the club, but his form has been patchy enough to leave Arteta searching for reinforcements. The Gunners have also shown interest in Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, though the Spanish club are reportedly reluctant to part with him.
Arteta addressed the club's transfer ambitions earlier this week, reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the squad before the window closes, while also managing expectations given the complexities of the market.
"There is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that," Arteta said. "We are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market is that it doesn't just depend on you. We are very clear on that.
"But the approach, the will and the desire of the club, that's unquestionable. We want to try to do that. But we cannot promise that we're going to do it because it doesn't only depend on us."
With Galatasaray standing firm and the transfer deadline approaching, it remains to be seen whether Arsenal can find a way to convince the Turkish champions to part with their prized striker.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.