Arsenal and Tottenham are competing over a possible transfer for Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen this summer.
The two capital clubs have both expressed interest in acquiring the Nigerian marksman, who has been in excellent form in Turkey. Since arriving at Galatasaray in 2024, the 27-year-old has found the net 61 times and provided 16 assists across 75 matches.
His impressive statistics have drawn attention from several major clubs. Spanish sides Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal, and Premier League giants Manchester United have all monitored his situation during this transfer period.
Osimhen declined to dismiss speculation about departing Galatasaray last week when questions arose about a potential switch to Arsenal. He indicated that transfer windows always bring speculation, that his focus remains on his current responsibilities, and that decisions about the future would be considered when appropriate.
Both Mikel Arteta and Roberto De Zerbi have the option to present Osimhen with his preferred squad number as part of their recruitment pitch. The forward has sported the No. 45 since joining Galatasaray and previously wore the same number during his spell at Belgian club Royal Charleroi SC in 2018. Throughout his career, the Nigerian international has also donned the numbers three, seven, nine, 12, 16 and 18.
His most notable campaign came while wearing the No. 9 at Napoli, where he helped the Italian side secure the Serie A championship and earned the African Footballer of the Year accolade during the 2022/23 season. Neither London club currently has this number available, as Richarlison occupies it at Tottenham while Gabriel Jesus wears it at Arsenal.
Jack Henry-Francis was the last Arsenal player to wear the No. 45 shirt, while Alfie Devine sported it for Tottenham during the 2022/23 campaign before it became vacant. Despite the transfer talk, Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has insisted his star striker will not be sold this summer, reportedly informing confidants that the player is not for sale at any price.
Both Premier League clubs remain prepared to pursue Osimhen’s signature. Recent estimates value the forward at approximately £58m, and he may be willing to relocate to England.