Arsenal News: Victor Osimhen, a professional footballer hailing from Nigeria, MON MFR, was born on December 29, 1998. Renowned for his exceptional finishing, speed, strength, and agility, he currently serves as a striker for Napoli in Serie A and the Nigerian national team. Osimhen commenced his professional journey in Germany with VfL Wolfsburg in 2017. However, after 18 months, he transitioned to Belgian club Charleroi on loan before joining Lille in Ligue 1, where he tallied 18 goals in a single season.
His move to Napoli in 2020, for a staggering €70 million, marked a significant milestone. In the 2021–22 season, Osimhen clinched the Serie A Best Young Player title and subsequently played a pivotal role in Napoli’s triumphant Serie A campaign, setting a new African player record with 26 goals and securing the league’s Best Striker accolade. Notably, he holds the record for the highest number of goals scored by an African player in Serie A history.
Osimhen’s accolades extend beyond club football; he was named the most valuable player in the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup and has represented Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019 and 2023. Appointed as a Member of the Federal Republic by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023, Osimhen continues to elevate Nigerian football on the global stage. Notably, he made history by becoming the first Nigerian to rank in the top 10 of the French Ballon d’Or and secured the 2023 CAF Footballer of the Year award, affirming his status as a footballing icon.
Manchester United lead the race to sign Victor Osimhen; The gunners and Chelsea fall behind
Manchester United has reportedly joined the fray alongside Arsenal and Chelsea in the pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to The Independent. The Nigerian international has garnered significant interest from top clubs, with United and PSG emerging as frontrunners for his signature in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Since his €75 million move to Napoli in September 2020, Osimhen’s value has skyrocketed, making him a coveted asset. Despite Napoli’s struggles in Serie A this season, Osimhen has shone brightly, contributing to their previous championship win and maintaining impressive statistics with 13 goal involvements in 22 appearances.
While Arsenal and Chelsea have been actively vying for Osimhen, Manchester United appears to be taking the lead in negotiations. With Arsenal lacking potency in the attacking third and Chelsea seeking a top-tier center striker, Osimhen’s arrival could provide the solution both clubs need.
Manchester United, though having Rasmus Hojlund as a starting striker, could benefit from Osimhen’s arrival, offering healthy competition within the squad. Given Osimhen’s caliber, United would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to secure his services.
West Ham United want the Arsenal player Emile Smith Rowe
Emile Smith Rowe, the versatile midfielder plying his trade at Arsenal, finds himself at the center of transfer speculation, with West Ham United reportedly eyeing a summer move for the talented 23-year-old. As per reports from Caught Offside, the Hammers have set their sights on acquiring Smith Rowe from Arsenal, adding a new layer of intrigue to the player’s future following his return from injury.
Despite showcasing his prowess on the pitch, Smith Rowe has struggled to secure regular playing time in Arsenal’s starting XI this season, fueling speculation about his potential departure, which began circulating even before the January transfer window opened. With uncertainties looming over his tenure at Arsenal, all eyes are on the club’s decision regarding his future come summer.