Nigeria international Victor Osimhen has refused to rule out a move to Arsenal amid growing speculation linking the Galatasaray striker with a switch to the Premier League champions.
Osimhen’s comments have further fuelled uncertainty over his future at the Turkish club, even as he reaffirmed his commitment to Galatasaray should he remain with the club beyond the current transfer window.
The Nigerian striker was on target twice on Friday night, but his goals were not enough to secure victory for Galatasaray, who were held to a 2-2 draw at home by newly promoted Çorum FK in their opening Turkish Super Lig fixture of the season.
Following the disappointing result, Osimhen went towards the Galatasaray supporters behind the goal and apologised for the outcome.
But attention quickly shifted to his future when he was asked about reports linking him with Arsenal.
“There are always rumours during the transfer windows. I will focus on my responsibilities. My focus is on my work. We will see and consider what lies ahead then,” Osimhen said.
The carefully worded response has done little to quell speculation that the 27-year-old could still leave Galatasaray before the transfer window closes.
Osimhen, however, stressed that he remains ready to give his best for Galatasaray if he stays at the club.
“It is going to be a challenging season. The team is conscious of that. I am prepared to give my all for this club. This was a significant wake-up call. It served as a wake-up call for the players as well,” he said.
The Arsenal speculation has also attracted strong comments from Turkish football pundit Serdar Ali Çelikler, who believes the transfer will happen if the Premier League club is genuinely prepared to make the move.
Speaking on the Neo Spor YouTube channel, Çelikler said there would be little reason for Osimhen to reject Arsenal if the club demonstrates serious intent.
“There’s no way any Nigerian footballer could say ‘no’ to England, especially to Arsenal,” he said.
“If Arsenal are serious, Osimhen will go.”
The comments have added another dimension to the transfer saga, with Osimhen’s future now likely to remain one of the major talking points as the summer transfer window enters its decisive stage.
For now, the Nigerian forward remains a Galatasaray player and has already made his intentions clear on the pitch, scoring both of his side’s goals against Çorum FK.
Whether those goals mark the beginning of another productive campaign in Istanbul or a final chapter before a move to Arsenal remains the question hanging over Osimhen’s future.
