Signing a new star striker would fill Arsenal fans with joy, but beating Chelsea to the deal would make it even sweeter.
The Gunners are in the market for a new centre-forward after coming so close to the Premier League title in successive seasons under Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal relied on Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz to lead the line last season but neither have shown they have the consistency to fire the Gunners to the title.
As revealed by HITC, Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku is expected to join Napoli and talks are now underway to include Victor Osimhen in a swap deal.
Victor Osimhen, who scored 17 goals in all competitions last season, has an eye-watering £95 million release clause in his contract.
He has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, but a move to the Premier League is still on the cards, and Arsenal could jump ahead of their London rivals.
Arsenal enter the race for Victor Osimhen
The race for Osimhen’s signature appeared to be between Chelsea and PSG, but reports from Italy suggest Arsenal are now ready to pounce.
According to Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Osimhen as well as Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres.
The report adds that Chelsea are not at the top of Osimhen’s list and that PSG are procrastinating as they need to sell either Goncalo Ramos or Randal Kolo Muani to make space for the Nigeria international.
They consider Arsenal to be in the race to sign Osimhen and hint that they could beat Chelsea to his signature if the Blues don’t make progress towards a deal.
HITC understands that Arsenal are long-term admirers of Osimhen in their hunt for a new striker.
Victor Osimhen to Arsenal
If Arsenal do want to hijack a move for Osimhen, they may have to move quickly.
Napoli have set a timeline for Victor Osimhen’s exit with the Italian outfit wanting a deal over the line before the first Serie A match on 18th August.
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It would be a statement signing for Arsenal if they were able to capture Osimhen, and it would also inflict a blow on Chelsea’s transfer plans.
But the Gunners have alternative options too, with Arsenal now in pole position for Viktor Gyokeres after a £32million deal was struck.
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