Andrea Berta’s reported trip to Istanbul has raised fresh questions over Arsenal’s interest in Victor Osimhen, although Galatasaray’s stance leaves any deal looking difficult – if that’s really who he was there to talk about.
Andrea Berta’s reported meeting in Istanbul has intensified speculation that Arsenal are monitoring Victor Osimhen, although Galatasaray’s stance makes any move for the Nigeria striker look difficult and expensive.
According to Punch Sports Extra, Arsenal’s sporting director was in Turkey last weekend and is said to have met Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek, with Osimhen again being linked with a possible Premier League move.
The 27-year-old has been mentioned as a potential target for Arsenal and Barcelona, but the Turkish club are not currently preparing for his departure.
Osimhen has been in outstanding form for Galatasaray after initially impressing on loan, leading the club to a domestic double, before Galatasaray signed him permanently from Napoli for €75m.
The figures now being reported are far higher.
Barcelona are said to be preparing a bid in the region of €100m which seems unlikely given their financial problems, while Galatasaray have reportedly placed a €150m valuation on Osimhen.
Sources in Turkey suggest that number is designed to deter suitors rather than invite a negotiation.
“Victor Osimhen has interest from Europe and Saudi Arabia; however, there is no official offer so far. Galatasaray are not considering a sale, and Osimhen has no intention of leaving. He is happy at Galatasaray. Okan Buruk is building next season’s plans around him,” Turkish journalist Arda Ozkurt said via Pesindeyiz Galatasaray.
HT Spor journalist Oguz Altay offered a similar view, making clear that Galatasaray are not treating the interest from Arsenal and Barcelona as anything to be worried about.
“There is talk that Barcelona and Arsenal are discussing figures around €150m. However, Galatasaray’s position is to do whatever it takes to keep Osimhen at the club,” he said.
Osimhen has 20 goals and seven assists in 27 games this season and 57, and 15 assists, in 72 games since moving to Turkey. That follows the 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 games he scored for Napoli.
That price tag, however, seems prohibitive for Arsenal as well the Catalans, and makes me wonder if there wasn’t another reason for Berta’s meeting.
Gabriel Jesus is expected to be sold, but he won’t fetch much, while others linked with exits, such as Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, will need to be replaced and that won’t be cheap if Arsenal aim to upgrade their left flank.
Similarly, sales from other areas of the pitch are likely but will also require players to be brought in.
Looking at Galatasaray’s squad, Arsenal were also linked with Leory Sane and Sacha Boey before they moved to Turkey.
The Gunners were also once linked with Noa Lang, who they tried to sign three years ago.
With that left wing in mind, Lang would be an interesting, and relatively affordable option.
Currently on loan from Napoli, leaving just six months after being signed from PSV for €25m, he has two goals and two assists in 16 games.
The 26-year-old’s contract in Italy runs until 2030.