Arsenal’s interest in Victor Osimhen stalls as he refuses Chelsea move | OneFootball

Arsenal’s interest in Victor Osimhen has cooled as the transfer window edges towards its conclusion, leaving the Nigerian striker’s future uncertain.

UDINE, ITALY – MAY 06: Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli looks on during the Serie A TIM match between Udinese Calcio and SSC Napoli at Dacia Arena on May 06, 2024 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Osimhen, valued at €130 million with a €10 million annual salary, has been left out of Napoli’s squad for the last two games, signalling a potential exit.

However, despite exploratory talks, Arsenal have not made significant progress in securing the prolific forward according to Corriere dello Sport, nor is it clear they even want to.

Osimhen’s situation has become a focal point in the final days of the window, with Napoli eager to cash in on their star striker but struggling to find a suitable deal.

Although Arsenal initially showed interest, discussions did not advance.

Napoli also explored a possible deal with Chelsea involving Romelu Lukaku, but Osimhen refused the idea of moving to London, especially on loan.

NAPLES, ITALY: Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli during the UEFA Champions League match between SCC Napoli and SC Braga at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 12, 2023. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

The remaining options for Osimhen’s departure seem limited.

While Paris Saint-Germain remain in need of a striker following recent injuries, and Saudi Arabian clubs have also shown interest, no concrete bids have materialised.

Arsenal’s lack of interest and Osimhen’s reluctance to leave for a non-permanent move have left his situation in limbo.

PSG had previously backed off after an ambitious €210 million offer for both Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was turned down by Napoli, but the French giants could return with a fresh proposal as the deadline approaches.

NAPLES, ITALY: Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli during the UEFA Champions League match between SCC Napoli and SC Braga at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on December 12, 2023. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

For now, Arsenal seem content to leave Napoli and Osimhen in a delicate position with time running out.

As things stand, Osimhen continues to train separately with other players likely to leave, as his future remains unresolved.

Arsenal’s early interest highlighted the striker’s value, but the Gunners appear to have shifted their focus elsewhere.