Osimhen keeps open mind as Arsenal links grow

Napoli star Victor Osimhen has left the door open for a move to Arsenal after declaring “anything can happen” amid continued transfer speculation.

Arsenal have reportedly had advances turned down for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus as Mikel Arteta looks to add firepower to his attack.

A talisman appears the main priority in the transfer window for Arsenal, with Alexandre Lacazette moving to Lyon and Eddie Nketiah yet to sign a new contract after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang previously joined Barcelona.

Osimhen has emerged as a target for the Premier League side, who have reportedly already had a sizeable bid turned down for the Nigeria international.

The Napoli striker would add a much-needed reference point for Arteta’s side up top, with Osimhen scoring 14 times in 27 Serie A appearances for Luciano Spalletti’s side last season.

Goal guarantee

His 14-goal tally was the 23-year-old’s best in a single season in Europe’s top-five leagues, surpassing the 13 Ligue 1 strikes he recorded in 2019-20 for Lille.

That also made Osimhen the first Nigerian to achieve double figures in two straight Serie A terms, while he became just the fourth African player to achieve the feat in the Italian top flight, after George Weah for Milan, Samuel Eto’o for Inter and Mohamed Salah for Roma.

Osimhen, speaking while away on international duty with the Super Eagles, is aware of the transfer reports and admitted he does not know where his future lies.

“I don’t know my future, I know anything can happen, but now I just want to go on vacation with my family, clear my head and recharge my batteries. Then we’ll take care of the rest,” he told reporters.

“I know there are many rumours that they would like me in Spain or in England, but I don’t think it’s the right time to talk about it now that I’m with the national team.”

Arsenal finished fifth in the Premier League behind fierce rivals Tottenham, leaving Arteta’s team playing Europa League football next season.