Edu is currently preparing for the summer transfer window at Arsenal as Mikel Arteta aims to build on a promising 2023/24 campaign.
Talks have already been held with one target’s agent at London Colney ahead of a potentially busy summer, as Arsenal attempt to keep competing with Liverpool and Manchester City beyond this season.
One position on the agenda is a new striker.
Neither Gabriel Jesus or Eddie Nketiah have truly stepped up to cement themselves as a talismanic No.9 figure for Arsenal this season, as Arteta opts to use Kai Havertz in a false No.9 role instead.
Now – however – Arsenal might have to move on from one leading target…
Arsenal close to missing out on Victor Osimhen as PSG make progress
Well – according to Charles Watts – the agent of Napoli No.9 Victor Osimhen was at London Colney, where he spoke to Edu about bringing his client to the Emirates Stadium.
The Nigeria international – who has a £113m release clause in his contract at Napoli – has unsurprisingly caught the attention of Arsenal after scoring 31 goals in 39 appearances last season, netting 14 in 26 games this term as well.
However, Arsenal are about to miss out on Osimhen – according to Il Matino.
The Italian news outlet confidently state that the Nigerian is on the verge of signing for PSG, where the man from Lagos is set to earn a salary of €13m (£11.1m) after signing the four-year deal currently sitting on the table.
Clearly, those at the Parc des Princes are frustrated about how toothless Luis Enrique’s side were in the 3-2 UEFA Champions League quarter-final defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday, and have chosen to act.
Cheaper alternative for Mikel Arteta
With Osimhen close to joining PSG, Arsenal will need to look elsewhere for a new striker.
Incidentally, there is one alternative to the Napoli talisman who would also be a lot cheaper for the Gunners – Ivan Toney.
Brentford have previously slapped a £100m asking price on the England international, although a new claim from Florian Plettenburg of Sky Germany states that a sum closer to £30m or £40m is more likely.
Toney will only have 12 months remaining on his contract this summer, so Brentford do not find themselves in a strong negotiating position whatsoever.
There is also Sporting CP No.9 Viktor Gyokeres – who some have claimed is actually Arsenal’s preferred option.
Be sure to keep an eye on developments at Arsenal, as the Gunners are expected to sign a new striker.
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