Arsenal have to agree deal for ‘world-class’ star after Merino following huge Romano update – View

Arsenal have had a quiet summer transfer window and they have made just one outfield signing to date.

Riccardo Calafiori remains the only new addition to the squad during the ongoing transfer window, but the club are expected to announce Mikel Merino’s arrival soon.

In our opinion, a marquee striker should be prioritised next and the Gunners have a brilliant opportunity to land Victor Osimhen for a reduced transfer fee from Napoli.

Back in July, the Serie A outfit were reluctant to accept anything less than Osimhen’s £111 million release clause, but they lowered the price to £85m earlier this month.

In the last 24 hours, Napoli have reduced their valuation further. Fabrizio Romano has reported that Napoli are ready to accept just over £55m from Saudi giants Al-Ahli.

Osimhen has not agreed terms with Al-Ahli as things stand and his agent Roberto Calenda has today made it clear that the striker ‘still has so much to do in Europe’.

Calenda’s update should be a huge boost for top European clubs and we believe Arsenal should make a late swoop for the Nigerian star before Friday’s transfer deadline.

Gunners should make late move for Osimhen

Arsenal have started the season with Kai Havertz as their first-choice centre-forward. Gabriel Jesus is the back-up option, but the Brazilian is sidelined with a groin issue.

The club have yet to provide an update on the timescale for the setback, but Jesus’ unreliable fitness means that Arsenal must secure a marquee striker this week.

With Eddie Nketiah ‘expected‘ to join Crystal Palace for a £30m fee, Arsenal can’t afford to conclude the transfer window with just one fit and reliable centre-forward.

Havertz has had a brilliant 2024 with almost 20 goal contributions in the top-flight, but the German star still has the tendency of squandering clear-cut scoring chances.

If Arsenal aim to beat Manchester City to the league title, they need another genuine scoring option.

Osimhen, who was described as ‘world-class‘ by Jose Mourinho, would be a statement signing. The 25-year-old has registered 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 games for Napoli.

He has averaged a goal contribution in every 103 minutes. A striker of his calibre would greatly help the Gunners to end their two-decade-long wait for the English crown.

At the current price tag (£55m), it seems a no-brainer to land his signature.

Osimhen earns a basic salary of £210,000 per week at Napoli. Arsenal should have no problem in paying him between £250,000 to £280,000 weekly to bring him to north London.

It will be interesting to see whether Mikel Arteta’s side make an approach for the former Lille star.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Capology.com