Osimhen Rejected As Top Premier League Club Enters Advanced Talks With Sporting’s Gyokeres

Osimhen Rejected As Top Premier League Club Enters Advanced Talks With Sporting’s Gyokeres

  • Victor Osimhen’s dream move to the Premier League has hit a roadblock after Arsenal backed out of the deal
  • The Gunners have been admirers of the Nigerian forward, but will turn their attention to Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres
  • The Swedish international had a brilliant season, scoring 54 goals in all competitions for Sporting Lisbon

In a fresh twist in the summer transfer window, Arsenal have reportedly turned their attention away from Victor Osimhen and are now deep in talks to sign Sporting CP’s Swedish striker, Viktor Gyokeres.

The Gunners, who have long been linked with the Nigerian forward, appear to have shifted their focus as they seek a more affordable option up front.

Victor Osimhen, Arsenal, Gunners
Arsenal have turned their attention away from Victor Osimhen after turning their attention to Viktor Gyokeres. Photo by Ahmad Mora
Source: Getty Images

Osimhen’s 37 goals in all competitions for Galatasaray last season as seen on Transfermarkt, was not enough to convince the North London out to table a bid.

But the move toward Gyokeres signals that Arsenal are not just looking for star power; they want someone who fits their system, budget, and long-term goals.

Arsenal’s search takes a new direction

For months, Osimhen was one of the top names on Arsenal’s striker shortlist.

After an impressive loan spell at Napoli and a reputation as one of the most lethal forwards in Europe, many fans expected the Gunners to go all in. However, the reality has been different.

According to reports from Sky Sports, Arsenal are now in advanced talks with Sporting over Gyokeres.

Viktor Gyokeres, Arsenal, Sporting Lisbon
Viktor Gyokeres is in advance talks with Arsenal ahead of a potential move to the Emirates next season. Photo by Eurasia Sport Images
Source: Getty Images

The Swedish international had a brilliant season, scoring an astonishing 54 goals in all competitions and helping his team win both the league and Portuguese Cup.

While Osimhen’s talent is undeniable, the high transfer fee and wage demands tied to the Nigerian forward may have made Arsenal hesitant.

Gyokeres, on the other hand, presents a more practical option, and crucially, he is said to be eager to make the move to North London.

Osimhen to look elsewhere for suitors

Gyokeres has already been given time off from pre-season training by Sporting, a sign that negotiations are progressing well. Personal terms reportedly won’t be an issue either.

Osimhen, meanwhile, will likely turn his attention to other suitors. Chelsea and Juventus have been mentioned in the past, while Galatasaray is still in the running, but nothing concrete has emerged yet.

For now, it appears the dream of Osimhen playing in the Premier League may just be over, perhaps permanently.

It’s clear that Arsenal are moving with purpose and strategy. Gyokeres may not have the same global recognition yet, but his recent form shows that he is a player on the rise.

For Osimhen, this is not a setback; it is just another twist in his journey. His talent will continue to attract attention, and his Premier League chance may still come.

Osimhen announces next destination

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Osimhen has reportedly decided on his future despite pressure from Turkish and Saudi Giants.

The 2013 FIFA U17 World Cup winner spent last season with Galatasaray, cementing his status as one of the best strikers in the world.

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Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Chukwu Ikechukwu avatar

Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor) Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu earned his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the University of Port Harcourt in 2016. Email: Chukwu.ikechukwu@corp.legit.ng