Arsenal have reportedly told Victor Osimhen that he would need to accept a lower salary if he wants to complete a move to the Premier League champions.
The Gunners remain interested in the Nigerian striker despite Galatasaray’s decision to keep him at the club for the remainder of the summer transfer window. According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Arsenal have held discussions regarding a possible deal for the 27-year-old.
Arsenal are reportedly unwilling to match Osimhen’s current financial demands, meaning the striker would have to take a pay cut to make the proposed transfer possible.
Osimhen currently earns a reported €20 million (£17.1 million) per year at Galatasaray, with his contract running until 2029. Arsenal are said to have made it clear that they do not intend to make what they consider an excessive financial commitment for the striker.
The development comes after Galatasaray reportedly rejected a huge offer from Al-Hilal for the Nigerian forward and subsequently made clear that they do not want to sell him.
Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has reportedly taken a firm position on Osimhen’s future, insisting that the club would not accept an offer that does not benefit the Turkish champions.
Arsenal’s interest has emerged partly through discussions with Galatasaray involving other players, including Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri. Osimhen’s name reportedly came up during those negotiations, although reports differ over the extent of active talks between the clubs.
For Arsenal, the striker remains an attractive option as manager Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his attacking options. However, the club’s reluctance to meet Osimhen’s salary demands could prove to be a major obstacle.
Osimhen has also previously indicated that he remains focused on his football despite the transfer speculation surrounding him. Following Galatasaray’s league match against Corum FK, he said that transfer rumours are normal during transfer windows and that he would remain focused on his work.
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