Arsenal Interest Grows After Galatasaray Reject €130m Osimhen Bid7

Arsenal Interest Grows After Galatasaray Reject €130m Osimhen Bid

By Niyi Busari 

Galatasaray have reportedly rejected a staggering €130 million offer for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, amid growing interest in the Nigerian forward from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Europe, BSNSports.com.ng reports. 

According to Sky Sports journalist and transfer expert Florian Plettenberg, the Turkish champions turned down the proposal, which was reportedly submitted by an intermediary acting on behalf of Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal.

The development further underlines Galatasaray’s determination to retain Osimhen, who is contracted to the club until 2029.

The 27-year-old initially joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli before the Turkish giants completed his permanent transfer. He has since established himself as a key figure in the club’s attack and helped them secure successive Turkish Super Lig titles.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Osimhen as they continue their search for a new centre-forward.

According to The Telegraph, Arsenal and Galatasaray have held discussions over a potential deal that could see the Nigerian move to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is understood to be keen on adding another number nine to his squad, with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez reportedly their preferred target. However, negotiations for the Argentine have proved difficult, prompting the Gunners to consider alternative options.

Osimhen has previously been linked with Arsenal, and his name has reportedly resurfaced in discussions as Galatasaray show interest in Arsenal forwards Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.

The Nigerian enjoyed another productive campaign in Turkey last season, scoring 15 league goals in 22 Super Lig appearances. That followed an outstanding 2024/25 campaign in which he scored 26 goals in 29 league matches.

Osimhen had earlier established himself among Europe’s elite strikers during his time at Napoli. He scored 26 goals in 32 Serie A appearances in the 2022/23 season, playing a pivotal role in the club’s title-winning campaign.

He followed that with 15 league goals in 25 appearances the following season before leaving Napoli for Galatasaray on loan.

With his goalscoring record continuing to attract interest from some of Europe and Saudi Arabia’s biggest clubs, Galatasaray’s reported decision to reject €130 million could set the stage for another major transfer battle over the Nigerian striker.