Arsenal collect transfer verdict on Victor Osimhen - but there's a catch

Updated: 15 Sept 2026 20:42 BST |
4 min read

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Arsenal-linked Victor Osimhen would flourish in the Premier League, according to former Manchester United and England striker Andy Cole.

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BBC Sport reported in August that Osimhen was mentioned in discussions between Arsenal and Galatasaray during the summer transfer window.

The Turkish giants were in touch with the Gunners as they explored deals for Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Martinelli, only to miss out on the pair.

Nigeria international Osimhen also stayed put at Galatasaray, with whom he has registered 65 goals and 18 assists in 78 appearances.

And now Arsenal have been told by Cole – a member of United’s treble-winning side in 1998-99 – that Osimhen would shine in English football.

Asked if the 27-year-old has the qualities to thrive in the Premier League, Cole told Unibet online casino via GOAL: “He does. He scores goals. He scored goals in Italy and he’s scoring goals in Turkey as well.”

Cole unsure why Osimhen is yet to move to Premier League

Osimhen has been linked with a move to England for several years now, having established himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in Europe.

Before joining Galatasaray in September 2024, Osimhen spent four seasons at Napoli, where he netted 76 times in 133 appearances in Italy.

Osimhen also scored 18 goals in 38 games for French side Lille in 2019-20 and struck 20 times in 36 appearances for Belgian outfit Charleroi in 2018-19.

And so it is surprising Premier League clubs do not appear to be pushing hard to sign Osimhen, with United having also been loosely linked with his signature.

Asked if he thinks there is a particular reason why Osimhen is yet to grace the Premier League, Cole said: “You know, it depends. There’s many different factors in signing a player from a respective country. It’s not all about just the salary or the transfer fee.

“There could be many different things that go on. If he does come to the Premier League, which I think he will be very good in the Premier League, you never know who he’ll go to.”

Contrasting fortunes for Arsenal & Man Utd in 26-27 so far

While it remains to be seen whether Osimhen ends up moving to England one day, Arsenal meanwhile have made a fantastic start to the 2026-27 season.

The Premier League champions have won their first six games of the season – including the final of the Community Shield – scoring 12 goals in the process.

United, on the other hand, have had a difficult start to the campaign, winning two of their five games so far, though they have scored 11 goals across those fixtures.