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By: Ebenezer Bajela
The latest report from British tabloid, Mirror, suggests that English Premier League side, Arsenal, have given up on their chase for Nigeria international, Victor Osimhen, after the UK publication wrote that Mikel Arteta had drawn up a four-man wish list with the Nigerian striker’s name missing.
Osimhen has been on Arsenal’s radar since last summer, with Arteta keen on signing the Napoli striker following his impressive performance for the Italian side.
The Mirror wrote that the Gunners were prepared to sell Gabriel Jesus this summer as the Brazilian has endured a frustrating second season at the Emirates.
In his two seasons since joining from Manchester City, the 27-year-old has missed a total of 31 games and so far this campaign he has only managed eight goals across 33 appearances, a performance that has seen him lose his position to new signing Kai Havertz.
As the season draws to a close, Arteta is already planning for next season and has drawn up four names for the striking role.
“Once billed to lead the Gunners’ attack for years to come following his £45m transfer move from title rivals Manchester City, Arsenal are now open to selling Jesus, according to the Athletic. If a substantial offer arrives, Emirates chiefs will consider it and aim to reinvest in one of Arteta’s reported four main targets,” the website wrote.
According to the Mirror, the names submitted by Arteta to Arsenal’s management are Ivan Toney, Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokores.
Osimhen only signed a new contract at Napoli at the start of the year with his release clause set at around €130m and Napoli’s transfer fee may be the reason Arsenal are giving up on their chase for the Nigerian.
Despite missing a large chunk of the 2023/24 season due to injuries and his involvement with Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, the striker still boasts 17-goal involvement (14 goals and three assists) in 22 appearances in the Italian topflight league.