The 27-year-old Galatasaray striker refuses to rule out a summer exit despite reaffirming his commitment to the Turkish champions

Victor Osimhen has left the door open to an Osimhen Arsenal move after refusing to rule out a departure from Galatasaray, despite reaffirming his commitment to the Turkish champions following their 2-2 draw with Çorum FK on Friday, August 14, 2026.

Also read: Osimhen Sends Galatasaray Strong Wake-Up Call

The 27-year-old Nigeria international scored twice in Galatasaray’s opening league fixture before addressing renewed speculation over his future, offering no firm indication that he intends to remain in Turkey beyond the current transfer window. (Business Day)

“There are always rumours during the transfer windows. I will focus on my job. I am focused on my work. We will see and think about what comes next then,” Osimhen said.

The carefully worded response has intensified speculation linking the prolific striker with Arsenal, who are reportedly exploring options to strengthen their attack before the summer transfer window closes.

Recent reports suggest Arsenal have held discussions with Galatasaray over Osimhen, although the Turkish club’s reported position remains a significant obstacle.

Turkish media have reported that Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek considers the forward unavailable for transfer, while other reports indicate that negotiations involving Arsenal players Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri have also featured in discussions. (Vanguard News)

The situation is further complicated by competing reports over Osimhen’s valuation. Transfermarkt has placed his market value at just above £64m, while Galatasaray have previously demonstrated a willingness to demand a substantial premium for their leading goalscorer.

Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal have also reportedly shown serious interest, with reports claiming that Galatasaray rejected a €130m proposal for the striker.

Barcelona, meanwhile, have previously been approached over Osimhen but opted to maintain their pursuit of Atlético Madrid forward Julián Álvarez. Reports from Spanish publication SPORT indicated that intermediaries presented Osimhen as an option, but Barcelona did not regard him as their preferred target. (FCBarca.com)

For Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Osimhen’s availability would offer an opportunity to add a proven goalscorer to an attack that remains under scrutiny despite the club’s recent recruitment.

The London club have been linked with several high-profile forwards during the summer, including Álvarez and other attacking targets, but their interest in Osimhen has gained momentum as the transfer deadline approaches.

Reports have also suggested that Arsenal’s discussions with Galatasaray could involve players moving in the opposite direction. Galatasaray have reportedly made an offer for Martinelli, while Ethan Nwaneri has also been mentioned in connection with potential negotiations. (TalkSport)

Despite the transfer noise, Osimhen was keen to focus on Galatasaray’s immediate responsibilities after the disappointing opening-day draw.

The Nigerian scored twice but could not prevent the champions from dropping points against newly promoted Çorum FK. His late goal helped rescue a point, although the result left the striker visibly frustrated.

Osimhen subsequently approached the Galatasaray ultras to apologise, having felt that he had a responsibility for the failure to secure all three points.

“It is going to be a tough season. The team is aware of that. I am ready to give everything for this club. This was an important wake-up call. It was a wake-up call for the players too,” he said.

The striker also urged his teammates to respond collectively, particularly with Galatasaray preparing for another demanding campaign that includes European competition.

“We have to give everything on the pitch. Our fans give us incredible energy, they always support us. We need to reciprocate. We need to gain momentum before the Champions League. We need to fight very well from the very first match,” Osimhen added.

His comments underline the delicate position he currently occupies. Osimhen remains contracted to Galatasaray until June 2029 and continues to speak positively about the club, yet his refusal to give a definitive answer about his future has provided fresh fuel for Arsenal speculation.

The striker has become a pivotal figure at Galatasaray since joining permanently from Napoli after a successful loan spell. He has scored more than 50 goals for the Turkish club and played a central role in their domestic success. Recent reports put his Galatasaray tally at 53 goals in 69 appearances. (Goal)

His record in Italy was similarly impressive, with Osimhen scoring 65 Serie A goals in 108 appearances for Napoli before moving to Turkey.

That pedigree explains why Arsenal’s interest has become one of the most closely watched stories of the closing stages of the transfer window.

There is, however, an important distinction between Osimhen keeping his options open and Arsenal completing a deal. Galatasaray’s reported resistance, the financial demands involved and the possibility of player-plus-cash negotiations mean that a transfer remains far from certain. (Mirror)

For now, Osimhen’s immediate priority is football in Istanbul. Galatasaray next travel to face fellow promoted side Erzurumspor as they seek their first victory of the new campaign.

But with the transfer window still open, the striker’s carefully measured words have ensured that speculation over his next destination is unlikely to disappear soon.

An Arsenal move is no longer something Osimhen has explicitly dismissed.

Also read: Galatasaray send strong message to Arsenal, Al-Hilal over Osimhen

Whether that develops into a formal transfer will depend largely on whether the Premier League champions can overcome Galatasaray’s resistance and agree terms for one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards.