Arsenal have made a notable addition to their squad this summer with the signing of Riccardo Calafiori, following his standout performances during Euro 2024 with Italy. While this acquisition has been hailed as a significant coup for the Gunners, the club is still actively pursuing further reinforcements, particularly in the striker position.
Arsenal’s Pursuit of Victor Osimhen Faces Stiff Competition
Arsenal have been heavily linked with Napoli’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, throughout the summer transfer window. The Nigerian international, regarded as a ‘world-class’ talent, is seen as the ideal candidate to fill the role of a specialist number nine at the Emirates. However, the Gunners now face serious competition from Chelsea, who are reportedly prepared to offer Osimhen a lucrative £9 million-a-year contract—the same figure currently earned by Romelu Lukaku.
With Lukaku likely to depart Chelsea, potentially joining Aston Villa, the Blues are freeing up funds to secure Osimhen’s signature. This development poses a significant challenge for Arsenal, who would need to match or exceed Chelsea’s offer to stand a chance of bringing the prolific forward to North London.
A Possible Alternative: Marcus Thuram
Given the financial implications of competing with Chelsea for Osimhen, Arsenal might consider exploring other options. One viable alternative is Inter Milan’s Marcus Thuram, who had a productive season in Serie A last term, scoring 15 goals and providing 14 assists.
Thuram, who could be available for around £65 million, offers versatility and could serve as a focal point in Arsenal’s attack, allowing the team to adopt different tactical approaches when necessary. His ability to operate across the forward line makes him an attractive option, potentially providing Arsenal with a cost-effective solution to their striker dilemma.
Strategic Decisions Ahead
As Arsenal navigate the remainder of the transfer window, the club must carefully weigh its options. While the pursuit of Osimhen would undoubtedly strengthen the squad, the financial commitment required may push the Gunners to consider more economical alternatives like Thuram. Regardless of the path they choose, Arsenal’s focus remains on bolstering their attacking options as they prepare for the upcoming season.
