Galatasaray Reject Arsenal’s Gyökeres-Plus-Cash Bid for Osimhen
Galatasaray have reportedly turned down an ambitious offer from Arsenal involving Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres and an additional €30 million in exchange for Nigerian international Victor Osimhen, reinforcing the Turkish champions’ determination to retain one of their most influential players.
According to Turkish journalist Ömer Faruk Özcan, via Nexus Sports, senior Arsenal officials travelled to Istanbul in a fresh attempt to convince Galatasaray to part with their prized striker. Rather than presenting a straight cash offer, Arsenal proposed a swap deal that would see Gyökeres move to Galatasaray alongside the additional €30 million payment, with the Gunners hoping the Swedish forward could replace Osimhen in the Turkish side’s attack. However, the Super Lig champions reportedly refused to consider the proposal outright.
Galatasaray regard Osimhen as one of the most valuable forwards in world football and have made clear they will only entertain offers that reflect his market value, believed to be in the region of €130 million to €150 million. Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the Super Eagles striker in recent months, but Galatasaray have remained firm on their valuation regardless of suitor.
The club’s confidence in holding its position is backed by Osimhen’s remarkable form since his move to Istanbul was made permanent. The Nigerian international has scored 59 goals and registered 16 assists in 74 appearances across all competitions, playing a decisive role in Galatasaray’s back-to-back Turkish Süper Lig triumphs while strengthening the club’s presence in the UEFA Champions League. Osimhen signed a permanent four-year contract with the club in July 2025, running until June 2029, reportedly the biggest financial package ever handed to a player in Turkish football history, worth an estimated €21 million net per season through salary, loyalty bonuses, and image-rights payments.
Beyond his statistical output, Osimhen has become a fan favourite in Istanbul, with his energetic playing style, leadership, and decisive goalscoring making him a central figure in Galatasaray’s sporting project under head coach Okan Buruk. Osimhen has also become a key figure under Buruk both on and off the pitch, further cementing his importance to the club’s plans.
Arsenal’s interest in the Nigerian forward is far from new. Sporting director Andrea Berta had previously travelled to Istanbul to monitor Osimhen and explore the possibility of a future transfer. The renewed approach comes amid growing questions surrounding Gyökeres’ adaptation at Arsenal since his move from Sporting CP in 2025, suggesting the north London club may be exploring alternative attacking options despite their earlier investment in the Swede.
With Galatasaray standing firm and Arsenal’s proposed structure falling well short of the Turkish club’s valuation, question marks remain over whether the Premier League side will return with an improved offer, or turn their attention to other targets such as those being pursued by Tottenham, as the summer transfer window edges closer to its conclusion.
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