Arsenal take huge step towards signing Victor Osimhen

According to a recent report, Arsenal have rekindled their interest in Victor Osimhen, and this comes after a move for their key target for the summer Benjamin Sesko became implausible following the Slovenian’s recent contract extension with Leipzig. 

Given the injury issues Gabriel Jesus suffered last season and the inconsistency of Eddie Nketiah, Arsenal entered the market for a striker. They were one of the earlier suitors for Osimhen but were put off by his valuation and injury problems; however, they seem to have him on their wish list again. 

According to a report from CalcioNapoli24.it, the Gunners have initiated contact with Osimhen's agent, Roberto Calenda, to discuss the possibility of signing the Nigerian striker this summer. 

Osimhen's willingness to leave the Diego Armando Maradona this summer is an open secret, and following his expression of intent last season, the Partenopei hierarchy offered him a new contract, but with a €130 million release clause. 

At the time this was signed, he had a glut of suitors, as he had just led Napoli to a historic Scudetto title, winning the Capocannoniere. Last season, however, he struggled for fitness and form, causing potential suitors to reevaluate their willingness to make such a significant outlay. 

Arsenal were one of these clubs, but after their chase for Sesko reached a dead-end, they seemed to be interested in Osimhen again after the meeting with his agent. 

Interest from Saudi Arabia remains unwavering, but the player does not seem keen. Chelsea are now pursuing other targets after pulling out earlier, and Napoli's president, Aurelio de Laurentiis, reportedly travelled to France to convince PSG to trigger Osimhen's release clause after also cooling interest.