Arsenal ‘turn’ to ‘sensational late’ transfer as they will ‘do something crazy’ to land ‘dream’ signing

Arsenal are reportedly exploring a sensational late January move for striker Victor Osimhen as manager Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his attacking options amid an injury crisis and faltering Premier League title challenge. The North London club has turned their attention to the Nigerian international, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, as they look to address their goalscoring issues in the second half of the season.

The Gunners’ title aspirations suffered another setback over the weekend as the gap between themselves and leaders Liverpool widened further. Their struggles in front of goal have become increasingly apparent this season, with the team heavily dependent on Bukayo Saka and set-piece situations for their scoring output. The situation has been exacerbated by Gabriel Jesus’s injury, leaving an out-of-form Kai Havertz as Arteta’s only available striker option.

Arsenal’s striking difficulties can be traced back to the summer transfer window, when they missed out on primary target Benjamin Sesko, who ultimately extended his contract with RB Leipzig. While it was previously thought any striker acquisition would wait until the summer, Arteta appears ready to accelerate these plans given the team’s current predicament.

According to Football Insider, Arsenal have initiated contact regarding what would be a remarkable late-window move for Osimhen. The 26-year-old forward, widely considered one of Europe’s elite strikers, found himself surplus to requirements at Napoli last summer following disagreements with the club’s hierarchy over a potential transfer. Despite interest from Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, neither club could complete a deal, leading to Osimhen’s temporary switch to Galatasaray.

Sources indicate that Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen is still in its early stages, and the feasibility of completing such a complex transfer within the remaining two weeks of the January window remains uncertain. The situation is complicated by the striker’s current loan arrangement with Galatasaray and would likely require significant negotiation with both the Turkish club and parent club Napoli.

In a parallel development, reports from Italy suggest Arsenal are also monitoring Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram as an alternative target. The French international has been in exceptional form this season, contributing 14 goals and six assists in 26 appearances across all competitions. While Inter Milan can command a substantial fee for Thuram, who is contracted until 2028, sources claim Arsenal are prepared to “do something crazy” to secure his signature this month, with the striker reportedly representing their “big dream” target.

The pursuit of either Osimhen or Thuram would represent a significant statement of intent from Arsenal, who find themselves at a crucial juncture in their season. The team’s recent performances have highlighted the need for additional firepower, with their current striking options proving insufficient to maintain a sustained title challenge against Liverpool and Manchester City.

Osimhen’s potential arrival would bring proven goalscoring ability and physical presence to Arsenal’s forward line. The Nigerian international established himself as one of Serie A’s most feared strikers during his time at Napoli, combining explosive pace with clinical finishing ability. His style of play could provide Arsenal with a different dimension in attack, offering a more direct option while potentially alleviating the scoring burden on wide players like Saka.

Thuram, meanwhile, has emerged as one of Serie A’s standout performers this season. The son of French World Cup winner Lilian Thuram has demonstrated versatility across the front line, possessing both the technical ability to link play and the finishing prowess to convert chances. His arrival would give Arteta tactical flexibility and provide competition across multiple attacking positions.

Arsenal’s urgency in the transfer market reflects both immediate necessity and longer-term ambition. The loss of Jesus to injury has exposed the squad’s lack of depth in crucial areas, while recent results have highlighted the need for additional quality to maintain a genuine title challenge. The club’s willingness to consider significant January investment suggests a recognition that reinforcements cannot wait until the summer if they are to achieve their objectives this season.

The potential pursuit of either striker also indicates a shift in Arsenal’s transfer strategy. While the club has generally focused on younger players with potential for development, both Osimhen and Thuram represent more established options who could make an immediate impact. This approach aligns with the team’s current position, competing for major honors and requiring players who can contribute immediately at the highest level.

However, completing either transfer would present significant challenges. January deals for high-profile strikers are notoriously difficult to execute, with selling clubs reluctant to part with key players mid-season. The complexity of Osimhen’s situation, involving multiple clubs and a current loan arrangement, adds additional layers of difficulty. Similarly, prizing Thuram away from an Inter Milan side competing for the Serie A title would require both substantial financial investment and convincing negotiation.

The outcome of Arsenal’s striker pursuit could have far-reaching implications for their season. Success in securing either target would provide a significant boost to their title aspirations and demonstrate the club’s ability to compete for elite talent in the transfer market. Conversely, failure to strengthen could leave them vulnerable in the second half of the season, particularly given their current injury situation.

As the January transfer window enters its final two weeks, Arsenal’s ability to complete a “sensational” striker signing will be closely watched. The club’s apparent willingness to “do something crazy” suggests they recognize the potential importance of this window in determining their success this season. Whether targeting Osimhen, Thuram, or another option, Arsenal’s transfer activity in the coming days could prove crucial in shaping their campaign’s trajectory.

The situation also reflects broader changes in the Premier League transfer market, where clubs increasingly feel pressure to make significant mid-season investments to maintain competitiveness. Arsenal’s potential move for either striker would represent a departure from their usual transfer approach, indicating both the urgency of their current situation and their evolution as a club willing to make bold moves in pursuit of success.

As speculation continues to mount, Arsenal supporters will hope the club can secure the striking reinforcements needed to sustain their challenge across all competitions. With Jesus’s injury timeline uncertain and Havertz struggling for consistency in a central role, the addition of a proven goalscorer could provide the catalyst needed to reignite their title challenge and provide optimism for the remainder of the season.