Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has urged the club to consider Victor Osimhen if its move for Julian Alvarez fails, Footynaija reports.
Arsenal want Alvarez, but Atletico Madrid said on Thursday that they will not negotiate with Barcelona for the Argentina forward. Alvarez has preferred a move to Barcelona, which has made Arsenal’s pursuit difficult.
Speaking about Alvarez, Petit told Oddschecker via Livescore, “He’s a beautiful player with great movement and intelligence. He’s got speed, technique, and vision.”
Petit believes Osimhen can offer Arsenal a different type of striker. The Nigeria international scored 22 goals in the Turkish Super Lig last season and helped Galatasaray win the title.
Petit also said Osimhen is not at Alvarez’s level in overall quality, but he would give Mikel Arteta’s team different qualities.
“A different player, not the same quality as Alvarez. He would bring a powerful presence up front,” the ex-Arsenal and France midfielder said of Osimhen.
“He’s fast, he’s a fighter, and he has a strong personality. He brings something different from Alvarez. They are two different options, but I like them both.”
Arsenal have already strengthened their squad with Bruno Guimaraes, Ezri Konsa and Christos Tzolis. They opened their Premier League title defence with a 3-0 win over Coventry City.
Petit also defended Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 21 goals in his first Arsenal season. He said the striker helped the club win the Premier League and reach the Champions League final. Petit added that the pressure of moving from Portugal made his first season difficult, but Gyokeres gives 100 per cent on the pitch.
Arsenal’s summer transfer window closes on September 1, leaving Arteta with a short time to decide whether to keep chasing Alvarez or turn to Osimhen.
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