A Turkish football commentator has disclosed the salary Arsenal must offer to convince Victor Osimhen to leave Galatasaray for the Premier League. The Super Eagles striker joined Galatasaray permanently at the start of the 2025/26 season after a successful loan spell during the 2024/25 campaign. The Turkish club paid a record €75 million to secure his services, signing him to a four-year contract worth an annual €21 million, including image rights and loyalty bonuses.
Osimhen's Continued European Interest
The Nigerian forward remains on the radar of top European clubs, including Arsenal and Barcelona, who are seeking to strengthen their attacking options. Turkish pundit Serdar Ali Celikler warned that Arsenal would need a record-breaking salary package to lure Osimhen away from Istanbul. According to Celikler, no Nigerian footballer would decline a move to England, but Arsenal must present an offer that Osimhen cannot refuse.
"If Arsenal pays Osimhen £39 million, the transfer will happen. After deducting taxes from the €21 million he earns at Galatasaray, he would need around £39 million annually to match his current net income," Celikler stated, as quoted by GS Gazete.
Financial Implications for Arsenal
The proposed salary would cost Arsenal approximately £750,000 per week, shattering the current Premier League record held by Erling Haaland, who earns £525,000 per week. This figure is nearly three times the salary of Arsenal's highest-paid player, Kai Havertz, who receives £280,000 per week. Additionally, Galatasaray has set a transfer fee between €100 million and €150 million for Osimhen, aiming to generate a substantial profit from their initial investment.
Osimhen has previously indicated he would not accept a salary reduction to join any club, following Chelsea's attempted offer in the past. The total cost of the operation could prove a significant obstacle for Arsenal.
Scouting Presence
Legit.ng earlier reported that Arsenal sent scouts to watch Osimhen during the Istanbul derby between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce. Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, was present at Rams Park, with reports suggesting Osimhen was the primary reason for his visit to Istanbul.
