Arsenal to rival United in Osimhen January chase

Arsenal are planning a deal for Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen in January, joining Manchester United in the race to secure the Galatasaray forward’s signature following Bukayo Saka’s injury setback, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Gunners are reportedly considering triggering Osimhen’s £66m release clause at Napoli, though they would need to negotiate with both the Italian club and Galatasaray, where the striker is currently on loan.

United had appeared favourites to land the 25-year-old, with Spanish outlet Fichajes reporting they have already opened talks with his representatives and are willing to pay £63.3m despite competition from Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.

However, Arsenal’s interest has intensified following confirmation that Saka will be sidelined for more than two months after hamstring surgery. Manager Mikel Arteta admitted the England winger’s absence creates a significant void in his attack.

“He has had a procedure and everything went well, but unfortunately he will be out for many, many weeks,” Arteta said.

“It will be more than two months. I don’t know exactly how much longer.”

Osimhen has been in scintillating form since joining Galatasaray in September, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in 15 appearances across all competitions. However, the Super Eagles striker recently expressed his commitment to the Turkish giants.

“I will not leave in January, I am at Galatasaray until the end of the season. I do not know what Galatasaray and Napoli are talking about afterwards, but if they come to me, we will talk. Galatasaray is a nice club that I like very much,” Osimhen said after his brace in a 3-2 win over Tottenham.

Despite this stance, former Galatasaray coach Hamza Hamzaoğlu believes the Turkish club cannot afford a permanent deal for the striker.

With Arsenal facing crucial Premier League fixtures against Brentford, Brighton, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Wolves in January, Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking options.

The club are also monitoring Barcelona’s Dani Olmo and Wolves striker Matheus Cunha as potential alternatives.

United’s interest remains strong as they look to address their goalscoring problems, having netted just 21 Premier League goals this season – with only four teams managing fewer. Their poor form has left them 14th in the table and closer to the relegation zone than the top four.