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Arsenal discuss Victor Osimhen in Galatasaray-Martinelli talks

Arsenal have discussed the future of Victor Osimhen with Galatasaray, but club president Dursun Ozbek is reportedly ruling out a sale.

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray reacts during the during the pre-season friendly match between Galatasaray SK and Rennes at Rams Park Stadium on August 2, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images

During talks between Arsenal and Galatasaray over Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri, Matt Law reports for The Telegraph that the topic of Victor Osimhen’s availability was raised.

Law writes that it’s unclear whether Arsenal’s Andrea Berta suggested the move, or whether the striker was offered to the Gunners.

Simon Jones reports for the Daily Mail that Arsenal did discuss signing Osimhen, but talks have not progressed. Sami Mokbel confirms for the BBC that Osimhen is indeed understood to have been discussed by representatives of the two clubs.

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Trendyol Süper Lig match between Galatasaray SK and Fenerbahçe SK at Rams Park Stadium on April 26, 2026 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images

Sebastien Denis of Foot Mercato framed things more emphatically, claiming Osimhen is Mikel Arteta’s top priority and that Arsenal are convinced they can do a deal. Denis adds that Galatasaray haven’t set a price, but want to recoup their initial investment in the player.

But reports in Turkey are much more pessimistic about the possibility of a transfer.

Ibrahim Seten reports for 343 Digital that Galatasaray club president Dursun Ozbek has said that no matter how much money is offered, he’s not selling Osimhen.

Fellow Turkish outlet Sami Yen Gundem claims Osimhen will definitely and clearly continue at Galatasaray, despite the offers he’s received.

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)
Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images

Arsenal are clearly on the lookout for a forward this summer, and Osimhen has long been touted as one of the best around.

The player has reportedly had a falling-out with his club over finances, and he often has on-field arguments with coaches and teammates, so the question marks around him stem more from that side of things than his ability.

But the question of whether a deal would still be worth doing is irrelevant if Galatasaray are truly refusing to sell at any price.

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S.
Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images
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