Arsenal warned over Victor Osimhen wages as Galatasaray star earns more than Saka

Arsenal have reportedly been warned that their pursuit of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen could come with a significant financial complication, with the Galatasaray forward's current wages believed to be higher than those of the Gunners' highest-paid player, Bukayo Saka.

Osimhen continues to attract strong transfer interest following an impressive start to the 2026/27 campaign, with the Nigeria international already finding the net four times in his opening two appearances.

The striker's goalscoring form has once again placed him among Europe's most sought-after forwards, with Arsenal understood to be considering options as they look to strengthen their attacking department.

However, while Osimhen's quality may not be in question, his salary could make a potential move to the Emirates Stadium considerably more complicated.

According to estimates cited by football analyst Kieran Davies of The Sun, Osimhen currently earns around £326,000 per week at Galatasaray.

That figure would put him above Arsenal's reported highest earner, Saka, who is estimated to receive approximately £300,000 per week.

The £26,000 weekly difference could become an important consideration for Arsenal as they attempt to maintain a sustainable wage structure within the squad.

Davies highlighted the issue while discussing what Arsenal would need to offer the Nigerian striker to persuade him to leave Turkey.

"One must consider what Arsenal would need to offer Victor Osimhen to entice him away from Galatasaray," Davies wrote.

"Bukayo Saka is reportedly Arsenal’s top earner, receiving an estimated £300,000 per week, which places him £26,000 below Osimhen’s salary at Galatasaray,” he added.

Arsenal have been linked with several elite forwards as manager Mikel Arteta looks to add more firepower to his squad.

Osimhen is believed to be one of the leading names on the club's radar, while Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarezhas also been linked with a potential move to North London.

The Gunners' interest in a proven centre-forward reflects their desire to add greater attacking depth and competition to their squad.

Osimhen, in particular, would bring a proven goalscoring record, physical presence and extensive experience at the highest level.

The Nigerian striker's current agreement with Galatasaray reportedly goes beyond his basic weekly salary.

His contract is said to include a guaranteed annual income of €15 million, alongside a €1 million net loyalty bonus for each season.

The deal also reportedly provides an additional €5 million annually in image-rights payments.

The biggest question for Arsenal could therefore be whether Osimhen would be willing to sacrifice part of his current earnings in order to return to one of Europe's top leagues.

A move to the Premier League would offer the striker another opportunity to compete regularly at the highest level, while Arsenal could provide a platform to challenge for major domestic and European honours.

However, the financial terms would need to make sense for both the player and the club.

If Arsenal were to match or exceed Osimhen's current earnings, his arrival could immediately place him above Saka in the club's wage hierarchy.

That could have wider implications for the Gunners' salary structure, particularly given the importance of maintaining a balance among the club's highest-paid players.