I turned Arsenal down almost a decade ago– now I could be the answer to Mikel Arteta’s problems

Victor Osimhen has emerged as a potential solution to Arsenal’s striking problems, nearly a decade after initially turning down the opportunity to join the North London club. The Nigerian international, currently enjoying a productive loan spell at Galatasaray where he has scored 14 goals across all competitions this season, finds himself at the center of transfer speculation as Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta seeks to strengthen his attacking options.

The story of Osimhen’s connection to Arsenal dates back to 2015, when he first caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs after winning the golden boot at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, leading Nigeria to victory. Despite interest from Arsenal, the then 17-year-old striker opted to join Wolfsburg in January 2017, believing it offered a better pathway for his development.

Reflecting on his decision at the time, Osimhen told BBC Sport: “It’s true that a big team like Arsenal wanted me and I feel honoured to be invited over. But personally I feel Wolfsburg is a ladder for me to reach my professional goals.” He further explained his choice, stating, “Yes Arsenal is a good team for young players but Wolfsburg is the best club for me. This the best place for me to learn and develop because my heart is here with Wolfsburg. The club’s plan for my career is very encouraging and I believe with God on my side I can grow to become one of the best players in the world.”

The circumstances surrounding Osimhen’s potential availability stem from a tumultuous period at his parent club Napoli. After failed moves to both Al-Ahli and Chelsea last summer, the striker found himself training away from the first team under manager Antonio Conte before securing a temporary switch to Galatasaray. With his future in Italy uncertain upon his return this summer, Arsenal have reportedly identified him as a target who could address their current attacking concerns.

The timing of Arsenal’s renewed interest in Osimhen coincides with injury problems to key attacking players Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, which has left Arteta’s squad stretched thin. The manager recently acknowledged that these injury setbacks might necessitate a revision of their transfer strategy, particularly in the forward department.

Speaking about the club’s transfer planning, Arteta explained: “We never just plan ‘a window’. We have a plan, we look at the squad, how we are going to evolve it, what we have in the academy, how we are going to change and adapt. From there, what you plan and the picture that we have… either we are really bad at planning or nobody could see we would have that many injuries. You have to adapt whatever the plan is.”

Osimhen’s development since his decision to reject Arsenal has vindicated his career choices. Following his time at Wolfsburg, he enjoyed successful spells at Charleroi and Lille before securing a high-profile move to Napoli, where he established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers. His current form at Galatasaray demonstrates his continued ability to perform at a high level, making him an attractive proposition for clubs seeking proven goalscoring talent.

The potential pursuit of Osimhen represents a significant shift in Arsenal’s transfer strategy. While the club has typically focused on younger players with potential for development, targeting an established striker in his prime years suggests a recognition of the need for immediate impact to sustain their challenge for major honors.

However, any move for Osimhen would likely involve complex negotiations, considering his current loan arrangement with Galatasaray and his contractual situation with Napoli. The financial implications of such a transfer would also need careful consideration, particularly in light of Financial Fair Play regulations and Arsenal’s recent spending.

The situation also highlights the unpredictable nature of football careers and transfer market opportunities. What seemed like a missed opportunity for Arsenal nearly a decade ago could now potentially transform into a solution for their current attacking needs. Osimhen’s journey from promising youth prospect to established striker mirrors the evolution of both player and club, with their paths potentially converging at a time when both parties could benefit from a union.

As Arsenal continue their search for attacking reinforcements, Osimhen’s combination of proven goalscoring ability, Premier League suitability, and potential availability makes him an intriguing option. The coming weeks will reveal whether the club can secure the services of a player who once turned them down, but who could now prove to be the missing piece in their pursuit of success under Arteta’s leadership.