Galatasaray have reportedly turned down an ambitious offer from Arsenal involving Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres and an additional €30 million in exchange for Nigerian international Victor Osimhen, reinforcing the Turkish champions’ determination to retain one of their most influential players.
According to Turkish journalist Ömer Faruk Özcan, via Nexus Sports, senior Arsenal officials travelled to Istanbul in a fresh attempt to negotiate Osimhen’s transfer. The proposal reportedly included Gyökeres moving to Galatasaray alongside a €30 million payment, but the Turkish Super Lig champions rejected the approach outright.The report stated that Galatasaray regard Osimhen as one of the world’s elite forwards and will only consider offers that reflect his market value, which is believed to be between €130 million and €150 million. Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the Super Eagles striker, but Galatasaray remain firm on their valuation.
The club’s position is backed by Osimhen’s outstanding performances since making his move to Istanbul permanent. The Nigerian striker has scored 59 goals and registered 16 assists in 74 appearances across all competitions, playing a decisive role in Galatasaray’s successive Turkish Super Lig triumphs while strengthening the club’s presence in the UEFA Champions League.
Osimhen has also established himself as a key figure under head coach Okan Buruk, becoming one of the club’s most popular players through his consistent goalscoring exploits and leadership in attack.
Although Arsenal’s admiration for the 27-year-old is longstanding, the latest approach highlights the Premier League side’s continued interest despite securing Gyökeres from Sporting CP in 2025. Reports indicate sporting director Andrea Berta has previously travelled to Istanbul to monitor Osimhen, while questions remain over Gyökeres’ adaptation since his arrival in north London.
Galatasaray’s negotiating position has also been strengthened by Osimhen’s long-term contract. The Nigerian signed a four-year permanent deal in July 2025, running until June 2029, in what has been described as the most lucrative contract ever awarded to a player in Turkish football. The agreement is reportedly worth around €21 million net per season through salary, loyalty bonuses and image-rights payments.
The Turkish champions paid Napoli €75 million to complete the transfer, with the Italian club retaining a 10 per cent sell-on clause. The agreement also reportedly prevents Galatasaray from selling Osimhen to another Italian club before 2027 without incurring a substantial financial penalty.
Despite mounting transfer speculation, there is no indication that Osimhen is seeking an exit. The striker is understood to have held positive discussions with Buruk and Galatasaray executives before returning for pre-season preparations, underlining his commitment to the club ahead of the new campaign.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has also indicated that the situation remains stable, with Osimhen believed to be content in Istanbul unless an English club submits what would be considered an exceptional offer capable of convincing both the player and Galatasaray to reconsider their positions.
(The Sun)
