Transfer Bombshell: Galatasaray Reject Arsenal’s Osimhen Swap Offer

Turkish champions Galatasaray have reportedly rejected a transfer proposal from Arsenal that included Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres and an additional €30 million in exchange for Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen.

The reported decision highlights Galatasaray’s determination to keep the Super Eagles star, who has become one of the club’s most influential players since joining on a permanent deal.

According to Turkish journalist Ömer Faruk Özcan, as cited by Nexus Sports, senior Arsenal officials recently travelled to Istanbul in an effort to explore the possibility of signing Osimhen.

The report claimed the Premier League side proposed a swap deal involving Gyökeres, along with a cash payment of €30 million, but Galatasaray turned down the offer.

The Turkish giants are said to regard Osimhen as one of the world’s elite strikers and are unwilling to negotiate unless an offer reflects his full market value.

Reports suggest Galatasaray have placed a price tag of between €130 million and €150 million on the 27-year-old.

Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the Nigerian international, but Galatasaray are reportedly maintaining the same valuation for any interested club.

Osimhen’s importance to the Turkish side has continued to grow following his permanent move to Istanbul.

Since joining the club, he has scored 59 goals and registered 16 assists in 74 appearances across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Galatasaray’s back-to-back Turkish Super Lig title successes.

His performances have also strengthened the club’s UEFA Champions League ambitions while making him one of the most popular figures among the club’s supporters.

Despite completing the signing of Gyökeres from Sporting CP in 2025, Arsenal are believed to have maintained their interest in Osimhen.

Reports indicate that Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta previously travelled to Istanbul to monitor the Nigerian striker, while the club’s latest approach is said to have been influenced by ongoing assessments of Gyökeres’ adaptation to life in the Premier League.

Osimhen, however, remains central to head coach Okan Buruk’s long-term plans.

His goalscoring consistency, experience and leadership in attack have made him one of the first names on Galatasaray’s team sheet.

The club’s strong negotiating position is further reinforced by the striker’s long-term contract.

Osimhen signed a four-year deal in July 2025 that runs until June 2029, in what has been described as the most lucrative contract ever awarded to a footballer in Turkish football.

The agreement reportedly earns the Nigerian around €21 million net per season through wages, loyalty bonuses and image-rights payments.

Galatasaray paid €75 million to sign him from Napoli, with the Italian club retaining a 10 percent sell-on clause.

The transfer agreement also reportedly prevents Galatasaray from selling Osimhen to another Serie A club before 2027 without incurring a significant financial penalty.

Despite continued speculation linking him with a return to the Premier League, there is no indication that Osimhen is actively seeking an exit.

The striker is understood to have held positive discussions with Buruk and senior club officials before reporting for pre-season training, reinforcing suggestions that he remains committed to the Turkish champions.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also reported that the situation remains calm, with Osimhen said to be happy in Istanbul and only likely to consider a move if an English club submits an exceptional offer capable of convincing both the player and Galatasaray.