Arsenal deal Chelsea Osimhen transfer blow after identifying top midfield target

03 February 2024 , 20:30

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Arsenal could rival Chelsea for the signing of Victor Osimhen (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal will consider rivalling Chelsea for the signing of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen this summer.

The Nigeria international, who is currently away with the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations, recently indicated during an interview with CBS Sports that he has already decided to leave the Serie A champions at the end of the current season.

Chelsea are hot favourites for his signature but will have to match his newly-inserted release clause which is understood to be worth between £100million and £110m.

Arsenal are also interested, however, having previously met with Osimhen's representatives back in 2022. Though it must be stated, there are other strikers on their radar including Ivan Toney as Mikel Arteta seeks to strengthen his forward line, something he was unable to do this winter due to FFP regulations.

No decision has been made by Arsenal on their top summer striker target but Chelsea are expected to go all-out to land the 25-year-old African Player of the Year - even if it requires a massive financial package both in terms of a transfer fee and wages.

Osimhen penned a new contract until 2026 in December but the agreement was sealed out of respect for club president Aurelio De Laurentiis and will ensure Napoli receives a premium fee to help fund a much-needed rebuild.

The Italian chief claimed last month he expects Osimhen to leave for an English club, Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid before the start of next season.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are facing stiff competition from both Barcelona and Bayern Munich for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is among the names at the top of their wish list.

Victor Osimhen looks set to leave Napoli at the end of the season despite recently penning a new deal (MB Media)

He primarily operates as a No.6 but much like Declan Rice, he can also play as a No.8. Thomas Partey is expected to leave Arsenal at the end of the season after failing to shake off persistent injury problems.

Bayern chief Christoph Freund recently met with Zubimendi in Portugal in a bid to twist his arm and all three interested clubs are poised to continue laying the groundwork for a potential summer deal in the coming months.

There was interest in his services during last month's window but Real Sociedad have already made it clear that the player will only leave should his release clause be triggered.

Furthermore, Zubimendi was determined to remain in Spain for the remainder of the season as Sociedad have a Champions League last-16 clash with PSG on the horizon after pipping Inter Milan to top spot in Group D.

Ryan Taylor