Soccer
Victor Osimhen has refused to shut the door on a possible move away from Galatasaray, despite his strong connection with the Turkish champions, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles striker scored twice to help Galatasaray rescue a dramatic 2-2 draw against newly-promoted Çorum FK on matchday one of the 2026-27 Turkish Super Lig season.
Addressing the press after the encounter on Friday night, the Nigeria international was asked about his future amid fresh transfer reports linking him with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. His answer was careful.
“I’m only focusing on my work,” Osimhen said, according to the quotes shared by Eduardo Hagn. “These kinds of things happen during the transfer window, and I don’t know about the rest. I’m focused on my job here. We’ll see and think about what comes next when the time comes.”
Interestingly, Osimhen did not say that he will stay at Galatasaray beyond the current transfer window. He also did not ask the club to sell him. Instead, the 27-year-old kept his answer open.
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Soccer Osimhen: Arsenal and Tottenham give story a new twist
Osimhen’s comments come at a time when interest from England has grown. Arsenal have held talks with Galatasaray about a possible deal for the striker, according to recent reports. The talks have included discussions involving Arsenal players, with Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri linked to possible negotiations.
Despite Galatasaray making clear they have no intention to part ways with Osimhen, reports suggest that Arsenal had been offered the chance to include Osimhen in a possible deal involving Martinelli and Nwaneri. That report came after Galatasaray showed interest in Martinelli.
The situation is unusual because Arsenal are the reigning Premier League champions and have already strengthened their squad this summer.
Mikel Arteta’s side have signed Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United and Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, among other additions. The Gunners are still looking at attacking options as they prepare for the new Premier League season.
Tottenham have also been linked with Osimhen. Earlier this month, reports said Galatasaray rejected a €60m offer from Spurs for the Nigeria international. The Turkish club’s decision made it clear that signing the Nigerian would require a major financial commitment.
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The striker’s wages also make any Premier League move difficult. Galatasaray’s official announcement when they signed Osimhen permanently in July 2025 stated that he would receive a net guaranteed salary of €15m per season, plus a €1m loyalty bonus and €5m per season for image rights. That contract runs for four years.
Osimhen has already built a strong relationship with Galatasaray supporters. In March, after a Champions League win over Liverpool, he said: “Galatasaray fans and I are a family.”
Osimhen’s latest answer therefore gives neither side a clear victory. Galatasaray can point to his commitment to his work and his close bond with the club. Arsenal and Tottenham can point to his refusal to rule out what may happen later.
The timing also matters. With the summer transfer window still open, Osimhen knows that offers can change quickly.
The former Napoli forward is valued at €75 million but Galatasaray could seek double that figure before sanctioning his departure from Istanbul.
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