Arsenal are still in the running to sign Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen before the summer transfer window closes, but the club has made their financial position clear.
With the transfer deadline approaching, Arsenal remain optimistic about bringing Osimhen to the Emirates.
Manager Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his attacking options and is a strong admirer of the prolific forward.
The North London club had also identified Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez as a top target. However, the Spanish club are unwilling to sell, and Alvarez is reportedly preferring a move to Barcelona.
Arsenal ask Osimhen to reduce wages
The Gunners have told the Nigerian international he must reduce his significant wage demands to secure a move to Mikel Arteta’s squad.
A potential deal now rests on the 27-year-old’s willingness to compromise on his salary to facilitate a move.
Victor Osimhen|| imago
Direct discussions between Arsenal and Osimhen’s representatives have stalled over his financial expectations.
According to reports from FootMercato, the Gunners are firm in their stance and will not make an excessive contract offer.
Arsenal are reportedly unwilling to match Osimhen’s current lucrative deal at Galatasaray, where he earns over €20 million (£17.1m) annually.
The striker now faces a pivotal choice of accepting a reduced salary to join the Premier League side or stay in Turkey.
Negotiating a transfer fee could be another major hurdle, as Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has publicly insisted that Osimhen is not for sale.
The Turkish champions recently proved their determination by turning down a colossal €130 million (£111m) offer from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.