Latest developments
- Arsenal are believed to be monitoring Galatasaray loanee Victor Osimhen.
- The Gunners want Osimhen if they miss out on Alexander Isak.
- Chelsea are also rumoured to be interested in the Nigerian.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Many strikers linked
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has impressed enough on loan at Galatasaray that Arsenal have put them on their shortlist as they hunt for a new centre-forward.
This comes from caughtoffside.com, who claim Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Dusan Vlahovic are names the Gunners and Chelsea will turn to if they miss out on Alexander Isak, but right now no formal talks have been held.
Value (2/5): No cheaper than Isak
Newcastle United's £83 million asking price for Isak is said to be off-putting to the London clubs, while only one club can actually sign the Swede, hence the shortlist of alternatives.
However, despite reducing their asking price, Napoli still wanted £83 million recently for wantaway Osimhen. Thirteen goal involvements in 12 games in Istanbul is unlikely to reduce the price tag.
Suitability (4.5/5): Scores for fun
He has scored for fun in Turkey, Italy, France, Belgium and in international football, and there is no reason the 25-year-old cannot do the same in England. A driving force in Napoli's first Serie A win in over 30 years, Arsenal could do with a striker who knows how to end a title drought.
Upgrade? (4.5/5): A real centre-forward
Despite making a good fist of it in recent months, Kai Havertz is not a natural at centre-forward, and nor is Arsenal's other option up front, Gabriel Jesus.
The same cannot be said for Osimhen, a lethal striker who only knows one position, and that specialism is the reason Arsenal are hunting a proven goalscorer in the first place.
Logic (3/5): Osimhen wants future sorted
Unable to force a move away from Napoli for too long, Osimhen will relish the new challenge with his future finally tied down.
His scoring rate will be music to the directors' ears at the Emirates, but for that price, they might be better off going all out for Isak.
Whisper+ verdict: 16/25
Osimhen will be hoping this rumour has legs, as will many Gunners fans. It is always going to be the case that any top striker angling for a move will be linked Arsenal's way. But depending on where Isak ends up, this could be one to watch.
