Victor Osimhen has been told that his qualities are not the reason Arsenal have struggled to complete a deal for him, with the Nigerian striker instead facing a decision over whether he is willing to change the financial terms that have made him one of the highest-paid forwards in Europe, Footynaija.com reports.
Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen became serious during the 2026 summer transfer window after the club explored other attacking options, including attempts to strengthen around Mikel Arteta’s existing forwards. Talks were held with Galatasaray, but the Gunners did not agree to the salary package attached to the 27-year-old.
That left Arsenal with a clear position. They wanted Osimhen, but not at any price.
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The problem is easier to understand when his current contract is considered. Galatasaray signed him permanently from Napoli in 2025 for €75 million and handed him a four-year contract containing a €15 million net annual salary, a €1 million loyalty bonus and €5 million per year for image rights. That puts the value of his annual package at €21 million before other performance-related considerations.
Arsenal, meanwhile, already have a huge wage structure. Bukayo Saka is estimated to earn £300,000 per week, Kai Havertz £280,000 and Viktor Gyokeres £200,000. Capology estimates Osimhen’s fixed gross salary at Galatasaray for this season at €18.75 million, or about €360,577 per week before bonuses.
Osimhen has been told where the problem lies
Reports earlier indicated that Arsenal wanted Osimhen to accept a reduction in his wage demands as a condition for completing the transfer, as direct talks having taken place but stalling because Arsenal did not want to make an excessive contract offer.
Now former Premier League goalkeeper Brad Friedel has explained why the financial side has become such a serious obstacle.
“He has the perfect profile for the Premier League, he’s big, strong, great in the air, and can play in a high-pressing team, a low block, or a possession-based side. His movement in the box and finishing ability are proven and deadly,” Friedel told Jackpot City Casino.
Friedel then pointed directly at the issue Arsenal have already faced.
“The difficulty with a deal like that often comes down to financial structures and wage expectations,” he said, while also pointing to the Premier League’s financial rules and the size of the package Osimhen received at Besiktas and Galatasaray.
