Man United to battle Arsenal for Osimhen

Manchester United are set to battle Arsenal for the signature of Victor Osimhen after both Premier League clubs showed concrete interest in the Super Eagles striker before the summer transfer window closes, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

United have contacted Galatasaray to enquire about the possibility of signing Osimhen, although the approach does not mean a bid has been made or that a transfer is close.

The move comes as manager Michael Carrick prepares his side for the start of the 2026/27 Premier League season, with United set to open their campaign away to Hull City on Saturday, August 22.

Arsenal, meanwhile, are reportedly closer to a deal, with Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast claiming an offer of over £60m could be enough to convince Galatasaray to sell.

The Gunners are said to have enquired about Osimhen’s availability during separate discussions with Galatasaray over a potential move for Gabriel Martinelli, though any deal for the Nigerian would reportedly be structured independently of that transfer.

Osimhen, 27, remains one of the most sought-after centre-forwards in Europe after another strong season in Istanbul, where he registered 28 goal contributions in 33 appearances last season.

He has already opened his account for the new campaign, scoring twice in Galatasaray’s Super Lig opener against Çorum FK.

Galatasaray signed Osimhen from Napoli for €75m in July 2025 and handed him a four-year contract running until 2029, with a guaranteed net salary of €15m per season, a €1m loyalty bonus and €5m per season for image rights. Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has confirmed the deal contains no release clause, meaning any interested club must negotiate directly with the Turkish champions.

Reports put the club’s asking price at about €150m, having already turned down a reported €130m offer from Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

Should Arsenal complete a £60m deal, Osimhen would likely become the club’s highest-paid player, with the striker currently earning more than £300,000 per week in Turkey. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the club would remain active in the market as he looks to strengthen his squad. “There is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth to the squad, we need to do that. We are actively trying to do so. The thing in the market is that it doesn’t just depend on you. We are very clear on that,” Arteta said.

United, for their part, have already strengthened their squad this summer with the additions of Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos, while Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko form part of Carrick’s attacking options.

The Red Devils finished third in the Premier League last season and qualified for the Champions League, but the striker position has become a pressing concern ahead of the new campaign, with Sesko carrying an injury and Marcus Rashford’s future still undecided following loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona. United’s preparations were further dented by a 4-2 defeat to Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan in their final pre-season fixture.

Osimhen has not dismissed the growing transfer speculation. Speaking to reporters in Turkey after his brace in Galatasaray’s league opener, he said, “There are always rumours in transfer seasons. I will take care of my business. I am focused on my job, then we will see and think further.” (Punch)