Napoli and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen says he definitely wants to play in the Premier League in the future, but not quite yet.

Napoli's Victor Osimhen celebrates after winning 2-0 the UEFA Champions League Group C football match Napoli vs Sporting Braga at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples on December 12, 2023. (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen celebrates after winning 2-0 the UEFA Champions League Group C football match Napoli vs Sporting Braga at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples on December 12, 2023. (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Victor Osimhen is currently focusing on the Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria, and he’s signed a contract extension with club side Napoli, but the striker is clearly open to a future Premier League move.

Speaking to the media this week, Osimhen answered a question about whether he wants to play in the English top tier.

“Of course one day, definitely,” the centre-forward responded. “But for now, I have other plans in my career that I am looking forward to.

“So when the time comes, everyone knows.”

Napoli's Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group C football match Napoli vs Sporting Braga at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples on December 12, 2023. (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group C football match Napoli vs Sporting Braga at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples on December 12, 2023. (Photo by ALBERTO PIZZOLI/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal look set to compete with Chelsea for the signing of Osimhen in the summer transfer window, and reports have suggested the Gunners have a couple of advantages over their London rivals.

For a start, The Athletic report that Chelsea have committed to lowering their wage bill, and they’d have to waive that commitment to be able to sign the striker.

But perhaps more importantly, the same source claims that Osimhen will want to play in the Champions League next season.

NAPLES, ITALY: Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli during the UEFA Champions League match between SCC Napoli and SC Braga at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 12, 2023. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)
NAPLES, ITALY: Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli during the UEFA Champions League match between SCC Napoli and SC Braga at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 12, 2023. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Chelsea remain a long way off the Champions League places at the moment, even if England end up with a fifth spot in the competition next season. Arsenal are much better positioned as it stands.

Fabrizio Romano is one of those to confirm that Arsenal are interested in the striker, and Charles Watts reported in May 2022 that Arsenal had held talks with Osimhen’s agent.

The agent flew into London for a meeting with Edu Gaspar, but at the time, Napoli weren’t willing to sell, and Arsenal turned to Gabriel Jesus instead. Things could be different this summer.