Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta was in attendance at the Istanbul derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, reportedly as part of a scouting mission ahead of the summer transfer window.
With the summer transfer window approaching and the FIFA World Cup taking place early on, clubs across Europe, including Arsenal, will be keen to move quickly on key targets before pre-season begins.
The Gunners still have plenty to play for, with a Champions League semi-final against Atlético Madrid on Wednesday. They are also closing in on their first Premier League title in 20 years, although it could come down to goal difference.
While some may see goal difference as luck, Arsenal have scored two fewer goals than second-placed Manchester City despite having a game in hand, highlighting a potential weakness.
Recently in their 1–0 win over Newcastle United, secured by a stunning strike from Eberechi Eze, Arsenal generated just 0.49 xG, compared to Newcastle’s 1.00 xG, underlining ongoing concerns in attack.
Arsenal want Osimhen
Reports from Turkish journalist Özgür Sancar suggest that Andrea Berta’s trip to Turkey was aimed at reinforcing Arsenal’s interest in highly sought-after striker Victor Osimhen.
Despite the signing of current number nine Viktor Gyökeres for a reported fee of £64 million, Sancar claims the Nigerian forward remains a key target.
Although the Swede’s impressive record at Sporting CP, where he scored 97 goals in 102 appearances, Gyökeres has struggled to adapt to the Premier League.
Concerns over his quality on the ball and limited impact in big games have seen Mikel Arteta favour Kai Havertz, who has started the last two league matches.
Despite outperforming his xG of 10.42 with 12 goals, there remains a clear need for a more well-rounded, world-class striker.
Why Arsenal need Osimhen
Since moving from Napoli in 2024, Osimhen has no doubt been one of the world best. Despite him playing in the Trendyol Süper Lig, the striker has netted an impressive 7 goals in 10 Champions League games this season, proving despite not playing for one of Europes elite’s he can still deliver on the biggest stage.
In the league, Osimhen averages around 0.7 goals per 90, although there are still debates over how that would translate into the Premier League.
In the Champions League, Osimhen’s all-round numbers further strengthen his case over Viktor Gyökeres. He has not only outscored the Swede, but also averages 0.8 successful dribbles per 90 compared to Gyökeres’ 0.37, underlining a clear difference in ball-carrying ability that has often been lacking in Arsenal’s forward line.
In the air, the difference is just as clear, despite being 1cm shorter, Osimhen wins 3 aerial duels per 90, while Gyökeres manages only 0.4. Even in terms of attacking threat, he records almost double the shots on target per 90, despite playing in a side with less overall quality.
There will, of course, be questions about how his game would adapt to the Premier League from Turkey. Yet his performances in the Champions League, particularly against Liverpool suggest he is capable of making that step up.
With a current valuation of around £70 million on Transfermarkt, the potential sale of Gyökeres could help fund a move for the Nigerian striker.