Arsenal has renewed their pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, with the Italian club now asking for a fee close to €100 million. Originally, Osimhen’s release clause was set at €125 million (£106 million), but Napoli has reduced the asking price, making a deal more attainable for the Gunners. Arsenal, who have been in search of a top striker for some time, are now seriously considering meeting Napoli’s revised demand.
🚨 JUST IN from @CorSport:
Arsenal have returned for Victor Osimhen. 🇳🇬
Napoli are now asking for a fee close to €100m for the striker. ✨
Arsenal could reach those figures. 💵
First to the news, @imxxxd7. 🔱 pic.twitter.com/kedWTdI1gd
— Eduardo Hagn (@EduardoHagn) August 21, 2024
The Gunners have been linked with several strikers in recent months, including Alexander Isak, Viktor Gyökeres, and Ivan Toney. However, Osimhen appears to be their primary target. Arsenal is expected to push for his signing as soon as they finalize Mikel Merino’s transfer from Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder is close to joining the Londoners, with talks between the clubs moving forward. Merino has expressed his desire to leave Real Sociedad for the Premier League, and the deal is now nearing completion, with only final details remaining.
At the same time, Arsenal is set to offload both Eddie Nketiah and Charlie Patino. Nketiah has agreed on personal terms with Nottingham Forest, with the two clubs nearing an agreement on the transfer fee. Nottingham initially offered £25 million, but Arsenal is holding out for a figure closer to £30-35 million. Nketiah is expected to become Forest’s leading striker once the deal is completed. Meanwhile, Charlie Patino will be joining Deportivo La Coruña in Spain. Arsenal has agreed to sell the young midfielder for a £1 million fixed fee, with a significant sell-on clause included, ensuring the club retains a financial interest in Patino’s future success.