Arsenal recently enquired about Napoli centre-forward Victor Osimhen, according to Corriere dello Sport.
It has been quiet on the striker front for Arsenal since they missed out on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, but the North Londoners might be considering re-entering the race for Osimhen.
Osimhen notched 15 goals and three assists in 25 Serie A appearances as Napoli failed spectacularly at defending the Scudetto last season.
The 26-year-old had spearheaded the Partenopei to that Serie A title win with 26 goals and four assists in 32 appearances.
Osimhen is a world-class centre-forward who can worry any defence with his hard-running style and ability to generate powerful shots from tight angles.
However, his €150 million release clause, which Napoli keep insisting upon, is a sticking point for most suitors.
Paris Saint-Germain want to replace Kylian Mbappe with Osimhen but are wary of the price tag. They have chosen to focus on offloading Goncalo Ramos or Randal Kolo Muani, which is proving difficult because of their underwhelming campaigns.
Chelsea are also in the race for the Nigerian international, who led the line for the Super Eagles as they reached the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Blues have an ace up their sleeves in the form of Romelu Lukaku. Napoli head coach Antonio Conte is pushing for a reunion with the Belgian striker, and a swap deal for Osimhen could be on the cards.
Arsenal need to act fast to sign the Lagos-born striker. He will immediately boost their chances of finally clinching a first Premier League title, potentially ending their 20-year barren spell.
The Gunners plan to sell Eddie Nketiah this summer, and the sum recouped should be used to snap up Osimhen.
Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus underperformed last term, and manager Mikel Arteta knows he needs a new world-class centre-forward option.
