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Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the rumoured Arsenal interest in a transfer move for Napoli forward Victor Osimhen.
THE LOWDOWN: STRIKER PRIORITY
Alexandre Lacazette is out of contract and looks set to leave the Gunners this summer, while Nicolas Pepe also faces an uncertain future at the club.
As a result, Mikel Arteta will be prioritising the signing of a striker this summer, with the likes of Gabriel Jesus also on his radar.
Osimhen has established himself as one of European football’s most promising young forwards in recent years, moving from Lille to Napoli for €81.3m (£69.5m) in July 2020.
According to Italian outlet La Repubblica (via Sport Witness), Manchester United ‘have already come forward’ with an offer of €100m (£84.4m) for Osimhen.
La Gazzetta dello Sport (via the Manchester Evening News), claim that the 6 foot 1 ace has chosen Arsenal over the Red Devils.
However, an update has emerged that could come as a blow to Arsenal’s hopes of acquiring the Nigerian star.
THE LATEST: ANOTHER PRIORITY
Writing in his latest exclusive column for CaughtOffside, Romano set the record straight on these transfer rumours, and made it clear Arsenal have another priority over Osimhen upfront.
“As of today, I am not aware of an advanced negotiation for Victor Osimhen to Arsenal,” Romano says. “So far there is no proposal on the table, sources close to the club guarantee.
“Arsenal are waiting for answers from Gabriel Jesus, who is the priority target, but who also interests other clubs.”
THE VERDICT: OUT OF REACH
The potential coup of the Napoli star would have represented a great opportunity for Arteta to make a statement ahead of the new season.
Since the former Lille man moved across to Italy, he’s recorded a sensational 27 goals and nine assists in 60 appearances for Luciano Spalletti’s side, so its easy to see why he is attracting admiring glances from the Premier League.
Having bagged 18 attacking returns in the form of 13 goals and five assists over 25 appearances in the Serie A this season, Osimhen presents an astute option up top for the Gunners.
However, Romano’s latest update on the forward comes as a huge blow to the Arsenal faithful, as they will have to settle for the potential signing of Gabriel Jesus instead.
While the Brazilian remains a perfect option, Gunners fans could well have been dreaming of a double signing act in acquiring both world class strikers.
It is a dream that now seems out of reach.
AND in other news, Spanish club ‘open talks’ for Arsenal’s £27m-rated flop who was an expensive mistake – opinion
