Arsenal sporting director ‘holds talks’ with Galatasaray chief over Victor Osimhen | OneFootball

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta watched Victor Osimhen in Istanbul as interest in the striker ramps up. According to Turkish-Football.com, Berta attended the Intercontinental derby and met Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek for a preliminary discussion about the Nigerian’s future.

A guest of honour at RAMS Park, Berta saw Osimhen open the scoring in the 40th minute of a 3-0 win over Fenerbahçe. The forward had four attempts, three on target, and was a persistent threat before being substituted late on. His derby strike moved him to 21 goals in all competitions this season.

Berta was pictured alongside Özbek in the executive area, with talks said to go beyond a simple scouting trip. Galatasaray signed Osimhen on a major permanent deal earlier in the campaign and are described as under no financial pressure to sell.

Even so, Özbek has said the club want to keep their prized asset, but an offer above €100 million could draw the Turkish champions into negotiations. The presence of Arsenal’s recruitment lead has been viewed as a sign they are weighing a significant package ahead of the summer window.

Mikel Arteta is said to be targeting a world-class number nine to complete his squad’s evolution. With Arsenal fighting for the Premier League title, a Champions League-level addition such as Osimhen is considered the final piece.

Source: Turkish-Football.com