Arsenal still hopeful over Osimhen as wage demands stall talks | OneFootball

Arsenal remain hopeful of signing Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen before the summer window closes, but the Nigerian has been told to lower his salary demands if he is to join Mikel Arteta’s side.

Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez was a leading alternative, but Atletico are unwilling to sell and he favours Barcelona over a Premier League return. With Alvarez out of reach, Arsenal have intensified their focus on Osimhen. FootMercato reports that the Gunners do not intend to table an unreasonable contract.

Direct talks have taken place, although negotiations have stalled, and any agreement hinges on the 27-year-old’s financial expectations.

Arsenal are unwilling to match his terms in Istanbul. Galatasaray pay Osimhen in excess of €20 million (£17.1m) per year, leaving him to decide between a reduced package in London or staying put.

Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek remains adamant Osimhen will not be sold under any circumstances this summer. The club recently rejected a €130m (£111m) offer from Al-Hilal. The Saudi side then turned to Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, whose £45m bid was swiftly rejected.

Osimhen has started the season strongly, scoring twice in a 2-2 draw with Corum FK before another brace in Friday’s 4-0 win at Erzurumspor. He will continue to lead the line in Türkiye as the deadline approaches, leaving Arsenal waiting on his final decision.

Source: Goal.com

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