Galatasaray Reject €150m Al-Hilal Offer for Arsenal Target Osimhen
Galatasaray have reportedly rejected a huge €150 million (£128 million) offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal for Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has emerged as a possible target for Arsenal as the Premier League champions look to strengthen their squad before the summer transfer window closes.
The Gunners have been linked with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, but a move appears unlikely as the Argentina international remains keen on joining Barcelona if he leaves the Spanish club.
Arsenal have now identified Osimhen as another option. The 27-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and was previously a target for Manchester United and Chelsea.
Arsenal reportedly made enquiries about Osimhen last week during talks with Galatasaray over possible deals for Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
However, Al-Hilal have made a major attempt to sign the Nigerian forward.
The Saudi club initially offered €130 million (£112 million) for Osimhen and were prepared to pay him around €50 million (£42.7 million) per year.
Galatasaray rejected the offer and made it clear that they had no plans to sell their star striker.
According to reports from Turkey, Al-Hilal have now increased their bid to €150 million (£128 million), but Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has again rejected the offer.
The report claims Ozbek has ‘categorically rejected’ the latest proposal and told Al-Hilal that Osimhen is not for sale.
Osimhen is also said to have indicated that money will not be the main factor in deciding his next move.
The striker is reportedly more interested in playing at the highest level in Europe and competing for major trophies, including the Champions League.
Former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel previously said Osimhen wanted to play for a top European club capable of challenging for the Champions League.
“I think we want to see him in the Champions League so maybe Arsenal might be the destination,” Obi Mikel said.
Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently after his successful loan spell at the Turkish club and has continued to attract interest from major clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia.
With Al-Hilal refusing to give up and Arsenal monitoring the situation, Osimhen’s future could become one of the biggest transfer stories before the window closes.
