Arsenal are preparing for a major squad reshuffle this summer, with reports suggesting that four players will be offloaded to create funds for a top-tier striker. Napoli’s Victor Osimhen has emerged as a prime target for the Gunners, who are eager to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the next Premier League season.
Mikel Arteta’s side is set to finish as runners-up in the league for the third consecutive campaign, a frustrating outcome for both the club and its supporters. Many fans and analysts believe that the absence of a clinical goal scorer has been a crucial factor in Arsenal’s inability to secure the Premier League title. Despite boasting a solid defensive setup and a dynamic midfield, their lack of a consistent finisher has often been their downfall.
The club has shown improvement under Arteta, building a competitive squad that can challenge Manchester City. However, the fine margins in elite football mean that a prolific striker could be the missing piece in Arsenal’s title ambitions. Gabriel Jesus, despite his work rate and technical ability, has not delivered the goal numbers expected of a top-tier No. 9. Eddie Nketiah has struggled with consistency, and while Leandro Trossard has contributed valuable goals, he is not a traditional center-forward.
Arsenal have been actively scouting potential strikers, with Osimhen among the top names on their wishlist. Other strikers linked with the club include Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres, Ollie Watkins, Lautaro Martinez, and Liam Delap. However, Osimhen remains the standout target, given his prolific goal-scoring record and proven ability to perform at the highest level.
According to The Mirror, Arsenal are willing to let go of four key players to finance a move for Osimhen. The players expected to depart are Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jorginho, Thomas Partey, and Kieran Tierney. This decision is aimed at generating a substantial transfer budget while also freeing up significant space in the club’s wage structure.
Zinchenko, who arrived from Manchester City, has had a mixed spell at Arsenal. While his technical ability and versatility have been valuable, his defensive vulnerabilities have often been exposed. With Arteta preferring a more solid defensive presence at left-back, the Ukrainian could be deemed surplus to requirements.
Jorginho, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea, has provided experience and composure in midfield but is not seen as a long-term solution. His departure would allow the club to refresh their midfield with younger, more dynamic options.
Thomas Partey, once a key figure in Arsenal’s midfield, has struggled with injuries, limiting his impact over the past two seasons. With Arsenal looking to build a more physically dominant and injury-resistant squad, Partey’s exit appears likely.
Kieran Tierney, who has spent the season on loan at Real Sociedad, is another player expected to leave permanently. While highly regarded for his work ethic and defensive qualities, his injury history and the emergence of other options in the squad have made him expendable.
By offloading these four players, Arsenal would clear approximately £500,000 per week in wages. This financial maneuvering would help cover the salary demands of a high-profile striker like Osimhen, whose transfer fee is expected to be in the region of €100 million. Napoli, aware of the growing interest in their star forward, are likely to demand a hefty fee for his services.
Osimhen, who won the Serie A Golden Boot in the 2022/23 season, has consistently proven himself as one of Europe’s most lethal strikers. His pace, strength, and finishing ability make him an ideal candidate to lead Arsenal’s attack. Having already expressed interest in playing in the Premier League, a move to the Emirates could be a perfect fit for both parties.
Arsenal’s striking options have been a subject of debate for several seasons. While Gabriel Jesus has been a valuable addition, his goal output has not been at the level required to challenge for the title. Eddie Nketiah has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency, and Leandro Trossard is better suited to a supporting role rather than being the main goal-scoring threat.
A move for Osimhen would signal Arsenal’s intent to take the final step towards becoming serious title contenders. The club’s ownership has backed Arteta with significant investments in previous transfer windows, and another ambitious move this summer could be on the horizon.
However, Arsenal are not the only club interested in Osimhen. Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the Nigerian forward, and the competition for his signature is expected to be fierce. Chelsea, in particular, are in desperate need of a reliable goal scorer, while PSG are looking for reinforcements following Kylian Mbappé’s anticipated departure.
Aside from Osimhen, Arsenal could also consider alternative options if negotiations with Napoli prove difficult. Alexander Isak has impressed at Newcastle United, showing his ability to lead the line effectively in the Premier League. Benjamin Sesko, a rising talent at RB Leipzig, is another exciting prospect who could offer a long-term solution for the club. Lautaro Martinez, a World Cup winner with Argentina, brings experience and pedigree, making him an attractive target as well.
Arsenal’s strategy in the transfer market will be crucial in determining their ability to secure Osimhen’s services. The club has shown an ability to negotiate big deals, as seen in their acquisitions of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus. If they can successfully offload the identified players and generate the necessary funds, a move for Osimhen could become a reality.
Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar will need to work efficiently to ensure Arsenal do not miss out on their preferred targets. The club has built a reputation for smart recruitment, but this summer will require precision and bold decision-making.
The summer transfer window will be a defining period for Arsenal. With expectations high and the team eager to finally break their title drought, Arteta and his recruitment team must make the right decisions. The addition of a world-class striker like Osimhen could be the final piece of the puzzle, transforming Arsenal from title challengers into genuine title favorites.
As the transfer window approaches, all eyes will be on Arsenal’s movements in the market. If they can execute their plans effectively, next season could finally see them lift the Premier League trophy after nearly two decades of waiting.
