Transfer Profile: Victor Osimhen

Transfer Profile: Victor Osimhen

By Alec McQuarrie
Arsenal need a striker. That is beyond all doubt.
With former captain Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang leaving for Barcelona in January and Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah potentially nearing the exit door, it is imperative Arsenal improve their attacking options this summer.
And Victor Osimhen is currently one of the hottest young strikers in Europe, reportedly on the radar of both Manchester United and Newcastle.
Arsenal would face tough competition in the race for his signature, but should they be in the race to begin with?

Who is Osimhen?

The 23-year-old Napoli centre-forward began his career in his hometown of Lagos and impressed at the 2015 U-17 World Cup for Nigeria, leading to a move to Wolfsburg aged 18.
His time at the Bundesliga club was plagued by injuries and limited opportunities, but a year-long loan move to Belgian Pro League side Charleroi allowed him to show his true level.
The teenager managed 12 goals in 22 starts in Belgium, and was immediately snapped up by Lille for £20m in the summer of 2019.
Osimhen was not overawed by the step up to Ligue 1, netting 13 times from 25 starts to fire Les Dogues to Champions League qualification.
Such was his impact that season that he was on the move once again, this time to Napoli for £67.5m.
And after two campaigns in Serie A, the Nigerian looks set to make the leap to the Premier League, presumably for significantly more than Napoli paid for him.
This is because his reliability in front of goal has not abated.
23 league goals in 38 starts for Gli Azzurri is certainly impressive and means the striker’s record has not dipped under 0.5 goals per 90 over four consecutive seasons at the top level.

What would he bring to Arsenal?

The short answer is a reliable source of goals.
He is a typical number 9, regularly looking to run in behind, lead the line and get into scoring positions.
His physicality and pace are two of his strongest assets, making him a seriously dangerous proposition both in transition and in the air.
But where he really excels is in the penalty area, almost exclusively netting centrally inside the box.
His overall link-up play is definitely an area of weakness, and he is somewhat reliant on his stronger right foot.
So he would not be suited to a false-nine role, preferring to receive the ball, rather than play it.
Thankfully his first touch is exceptional and with frightening movement, he is more than a handful for an opposition defence.

Verdict – should Arsenal sign him?

If Arsenal are looking for value, they should look somewhere else.
Napoli are desperate to keep hold of him and will be looking for north of £85m to part ways with their star striker.
Competition from Newcastle and Manchester United will no doubt keep that asking price high.
Arsenal appear to be leading the race though, and if they pull off a deal it would be a fantastic signing.
Osimhen has proved he can provide goals wherever he goes, and at 23-years-old the only way is up.
Photo Credit: Getty Images

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