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Arsenal's protracted and ultimately frustrating pursuit of Benjamin Sesko appears to have reached an impasse, forcing Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar to pivot swiftly in their search for a world-class striker. With the Slovenian sensation's move from RB Leipzig proving increasingly complicated due to significant financial demands and stalled personal terms, the Gunners have reportedly turned their full attention to a long-standing target: Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen. This dramatic shift in focus positions the prolific Nigerian forward as Arsenal's leading candidate to bolster their attacking firepower ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
For weeks, Benjamin Sesko had been widely regarded as Arsenal's top priority in the striker market. His impressive goal-scoring record for RB Leipzig, coupled with his youth, physical attributes, and potential for further development, aligned perfectly with Mikel Arteta's vision for the club's offensive line. However, the reported asking price from Leipzig, believed to be in the region of €80-100 million, coupled with an apparent lack of full agreement on personal terms between Arsenal and the player's representatives, has created a significant hurdle. Arsenal, known for their pragmatic approach to transfers, seem unwilling to meet Leipzig's valuation for a player who, while promising, is still relatively unproven at the elite European level. This deadlock has effectively delivered a "Sesko blow" to Arsenal's initial transfer plans, pushing them to explore viable alternatives.
Enter Victor Osimhen. The 26-year-old Nigerian international has been a name consistently linked with top European clubs for several transfer windows, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United. After a sensational loan spell at Galatasaray, where he netted an astounding 37 goals in 41 club games, his stock has arguably never been higher. Crucially for Arsenal, Osimhen's contract at Napoli reportedly includes a release clause of €75 million, a figure that is significantly lower than initial reports of £100 million and now appears to have dropped to around £65 million for clubs outside of Italy. This more accessible price point, coupled with the "Sesko blow," has catapulted Osimhen to the forefront of Arsenal's striker shortlist.
The appeal of Osimhen to Arsenal is multifaceted. He offers a proven track record of consistent goal-scoring at the highest level, a physical presence, blistering pace, and an aerial threat that Mikel Arteta's current attacking options, particularly Kai Havertz who often played as a makeshift striker last season, lack. Arsenal's struggles with converting chances into goals were evident during parts of their last Premier League campaign, and the acquisition of a clinical, predatory striker like Osimhen could be the missing piece of the puzzle in their quest for the title. His ability to lead the line, hold up play, and provide a focal point in attack would offer a new dimension to Arsenal's intricate passing game.
Furthermore, reports suggest that a move to Arsenal would be highly appealing to Osimhen himself. He has already demonstrated a clear preference for a European challenge, reportedly turning down a mega-money offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal earlier in the window. The allure of Premier League football, coupled with Arsenal's consistent presence in the Champions League and their burgeoning status as title contenders, aligns perfectly with Osimhen's personal and professional ambitions. The opportunity to play under a demanding coach like Mikel Arteta and alongside a talented squad could be a significant factor in his decision-making.
However, the path to securing Osimhen is not entirely without its complexities. While the release clause makes the fee transparent, his wage demands are believed to be substantial, reportedly exceeding £300,000 per week. This could be a stumbling block for Arsenal, who operate within a strict wage structure. Additionally, while the "Ronaldo blocking Osimhen to Man City star" narrative might simplify his options, other top clubs, including Chelsea and even Manchester United, remain interested, though some reports indicate Osimhen has cooled on moves to the latter two. Liverpool have also reportedly entered the fray, with discussions of a potential swap deal involving Darwin Nunez.
As negotiations unfold, Arsenal's hierarchy, led by Edu Gaspar and Richard Garlick, will be engaging in direct discussions with Osimhen's representatives and Napoli. The aim will be to agree on personal terms and then activate the release clause, or negotiate a slightly lower fee, to bring the Super Eagles star to the Emirates Stadium. The coming days and weeks are expected to be pivotal in this transfer saga, as Arsenal, having suffered a setback in their pursuit of Sesko, now look to make a definitive statement in the transfer market by securing one of Europe's most sought-after strikers in Victor Osimhen. The Gunners' title aspirations could very well hinge on the successful culmination of this high-stakes transfer pursuit.
Source@Pulse Sports