Arsenal enter the race to sign Osimhen as they offer Galatasaray Gyokeres in part exchange

GALATASARAY have rejected an ambitious offer for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen from English Premier League champions Arsenal involving an exchange for Swedish striker Viktora Gyökeres and an additional €30m.

Part of an audacious move by Arsenal to strengthen their squad as the club looks to defend its title and challenge for the Uefa Champions League, the London club is hoping to seal the deal before the summer transfer window closes. However, Turkish giants Galatasaray have rejected the offer, saying Osimhen is p[art of their long term plans as they chase continental glory too.

According to Turkish journalist Ömer Faruk Özcan, senior Arsenal officials travelled to Istanbul in an attempt to negotiate a possible transfer for Osimhen. His report claimed that Arsenal proposed sending Gyökeres to Galatasaray alongside a €30m payment in exchange for the Nigerian forward.

However, his report also stated that Galatasaray have made it clear that they would only consider an offer that reflects Osimhen's true market value. Galatasaray has reportedly placed a valuation of between €130m and €150m on the 27-year-old forward, who is also being pursued by Arsenal's north London neighbours Tottenham Hotspurs.

Galatasaray are said to remain firm on their valuation and the club’s stance has been strengthened by Osimhen’s impressive performances since his permanent transfer to Istanbul. Osimhen has scored 59 goals and provided 16 assists in 74 appearances across all competitions, playing a key role in Galatasaray’s successive Turkish Super Lig triumphs.

Apparently, Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta had previously travelled to Istanbul to monitor Osimhen. Arsenal's latest approach is also said to be linked to questions surrounding Gyökeres’ adaptation since his arrival in north London.

Osimhen will not be cheap, however, as he signed a four-year permanent deal in July 2025, keeping him at Galatasaray until June 2029. That agreement has been described as the most lucrative contract ever given to a player in Turkish football, with Osimhen said to earn around €21m net per season through salary, loyalty bonuses and image-rights payments.

Galatasaray paid Napoli €75m to complete the transfer, while the Italian club retained a 10%  sell-on clause. That agreement reportedly also prevents Galatasaray from selling Osimhen to another Italian club before 2027 without facing a substantial financial penalty.

Despite the growing transfer speculation, there is no indication that Osimhen is actively seeking a move away from Galatasaray. He is understood to have held positive discussions with the club's executives before returning for pre-season preparations, suggesting that he remains committed to the Turkish champions.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has also indicated that the situation remains stable. Osimhen is reportedly happy in Istanbul and could only consider leaving if an English club submits an exceptional offer capable of convincing both him and Galatasaray to change their positions.