Arsenal’s 6 striker transfer targets this summer – ranked

Victor Osimhen – Napoli

For just one minute let’s quickly brush over the, sadly, considerable hurdles to overcome in this transfer. Having only joined Napoli in 2020 for a fee that is disputed but thought to be around £60m, there is no denying that Victor Osimhen would cost a fair whack. Unless he was the man Arsenal sorely wanted they’ll likely price themselves out of a move, and this is before discussing the man they would have to deal with, Aurelio De Laurentiis.

So moving that to one side, Osimhen is someone who, above all, it would be fun to see in this Arsenal team. Not everything he does comes off, but he sure does entertain.

There is no more imposing physical presence at No. 9 other than Erling Haaland. Strong as an ox, as physical as a centre-forward can be and with his own gravity constantly attracting players to him, the way he bullies defenders on and off the ball can be beautiful to watch.

He scores all manner of goals, with the four he’s netted in the last two Serie A matches demonstrating clever forward play with two near-post runs and differing finishes across goal, as well as a bullet header from a cross and a well directed header from a free-kick.

At his belligerent best when he’s bruising past players with his deceptively quick speed, Osimhen is smart in the box and an absolute pressing machine off it. His work rate is outstanding.

Netting 15 goals in 25 outings this season to follow up from ten in 24 Serie A matches in his debut season, the 23-year-old has his best years ahead of him and development potential to work on he tactical side of his game.

There are some questions over his technical ability in one-touch play – his passing into space needs work – but there is room for improvement there and his profile surrounded by creativity would make for an exciting blend of brains and brawn in Arsenal’s forward line. He has a presence and brutality that few strikers can lay claim to.

Arsenal have been ‘extensively scouting’ Osimhen which makes for hugely interesting reading, although it will all come back to price and availability. He won’t come cheap, at all, the negotiations will likely be strenuous, and overall it will be a tough deal to pull off. In other words, an unlikely one.

What an exciting player he is, though.