Arsenal’s Pursuit of Julián Álvarez and Osimhen Negotiations
Arsenal opened their Premier League title defence with a statement. A 3-0 win over newly-promoted Coventry City at the Emirates, goals from Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard, and a performance that suggested the champions have not lost their edge.
Arteta’s attack looked sharp. It has not stopped him looking for more firepower.
Arsenal’s last throw for Álvarez
Julián Álvarez remains high on Arsenal’s list. The complication is obvious: the Argentine forward has been clear he does not want a return to England after leaving Manchester City for Barcelona in 2024.
That has not put Arsenal off.
According to Spanish outlet SPORT, the Gunners have made what is being described as a last-ditch offer to tempt the 26-year-old away from Atlético Madrid and back to the Premier League. Atlético, the report claims, would rather sell Álvarez to Arsenal than strengthen direct La Liga rivals Barcelona.
To make it happen, Arsenal are said to be ready to put Victor Gyökeres into the deal and add €80 million (£68m) on top to land Álvarez. On top of that, the London club are reportedly prepared to offer the World Cup winner an annual salary of around €25m (£21m), a package that would place him among the highest earners at the Emirates and, according to the same report, roughly double his current wages.
Álvarez’s stance is unchanged for now: his preference is Barcelona. Arsenal’s offer is designed to test just how firm that position really is.
Osimhen talks in the background
Arsenal are not betting everything on Álvarez.
Foot Mercato report that the club have opened negotiations with Galatasaray over Victor Osimhen as a potential alternative. The Nigerian striker’s name has already surfaced between the clubs, during previous talks when Galatasaray explored moves for Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli.
Osimhen has been a dominant force in Turkey, spearheading Galatasaray to back-to-back league titles and restoring the aura that surrounded him at Napoli. That form has kept him on the radar of Europe’s elite, with Tottenham also credited with an interest.
The stumbling block is clear: money. Osimhen’s current salary, reported at around £17.1m a year, is viewed as a major obstacle. Any move to north London would likely hinge on the 27-year-old accepting a significant pay cut, or on a carefully structured deal that fits Arsenal’s wage framework.
Arsenal have started the season with goals, points and momentum. The question now is whether they can add a marquee striker to turn a strong squad into something even more ruthless.
