Napoli Centre-Forward Prefers A Move To Arsenal: Should Arteta Step Up His Pursuit? | OneFootball

In a recent interview (via CalcioNapoli24), journalist Valter De Maggio claimed that Napoli centre-forward Victor Osimhen prefers a move to Arsenal this summer. De Maggio said,

“Osimhen wants the Premier League, if the offer doesn’t come then he would consider the Arab one. There is no club paying the clause today, Osimhen would like Arsenal otherwise he would consider Saudi Arabia.”

Osimhen’s Impressive Numbers In Italian Football

The 25-year-old has enjoyed another productive campaign at Napoli but has missed a handful of important games due to injuries. Osimhen has netted 17 goals and picked up four assists in 31 appearances for the Italian outfit this season in all competitions.

The Nigerian striker has led the line well and has done well to average 3.7 shots, 1.0 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per 90 minutes in Serie A. However, he lacks quality when distributing possession deep inside the opposition half based on his pass completion rate of 71.2% in the top tier of Italian football (stats via whoscored).

NAPLES, ITALY – MAY 11: Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli stands disappointed during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and Bologna FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on May 11, 2024 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Step Up His Pursuit Of Osimhen?

Osimhen excels at creating a yard of space for himself to get a few strikes on target. He has proven himself to be a deadly finisher in front of the opposition goal and can engineer the odd chance for his teammates in the final third when he is playing well on the pitch.

The Nigeria international is a powerful runner with the ball as well but needs to find a way to improve his link-up play in the opponent’s half. Standing at 1.86m, he can be a real handful for the opposition defenders.

Osimhen would undeniably add more goals to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta‘s attack. He has what it takes to lead the line for the Gunners regularly in the Premier League over the next few years. However, it remains to be seen whether the Nigerian talent can adapt to the high intensity of Premier League football.

At 25, Osimhen has his best years ahead of him which makes him a good option for the North London giants to pursue later this year. All in all, Arteta should focus on stepping up his pursuit of the Nigerian forward when the transfer window commences at the end of this campaign.