Arsenal open Osimhen talks as Gala reject Al Hilal offer

Arsenal has engaged in discussions with Galatasaray regarding a potential transfer for Victor Osimhen, according to various British and European sources. The Brazilian news outlet PUNCH Sports Extra and The Telegraph's football correspondent Matt Law report that Galatasaray has made an offer of £38.4 million for Martinelli and has shown interest in Ethan Nwaneri, who was on loan at Marseille during last season's second half.

It remains uncertain whether Andrea Berta, Arsenal's sporting director, raised the prospect of signing Osimhen during those talks or if Galatasaray presented him as part of the overall conversation. Osimhen almost joined Premier League side Chelsea two years ago when Chelsea held advanced talks to sign him from Napoli; however, Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan before the Turkish club made the deal permanent for €75 million.

Since then, he has become one of Europe's top forwards, scoring 59 goals in 74 appearances across his two seasons in Turkey and helping Galatasaray secure consecutive Super Lig titles, with his 22 goals and six assists in 33 league games last season being particularly noteworthy. Arsenal has always admired Osimhen but had previously ranked him below Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez on their list of preferred strikers.

The club's pursuit of the Argentine has become more challenging due to Atletico's insistence on a fee exceeding £100 million and their refusal to negotiate with Barcelona, who had their £86 million offer rejected this summer. This situation is believed to have influenced Arsenal to consider alternative options, with Osimhen once again becoming a focus.

Galatasaray, on the other hand, has declined an €130 million verbal offer from Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal for Osimhen, as reported by German transfer journalist Florian Plettenberg. The Turkish club is not willing to negotiate at this time and has no desire to engage in talks.