Galatasaray rejects £111m Osimhen bid

Dursun Özbek insists the Nigerian striker will stay as Arsenal explore his availability amid talks involving Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri

Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has firmly rejected a reported £111 million Osimhen bid from Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal and reiterated on Friday, August 14, that Victor Osimhen will not be sold, even as Arsenal explore the Nigerian striker’s availability.

Also read: Osimhen reveals reason for turning down Galatasaray’s no. 9 jersey

The reported approach from Al-Hilal has added fresh intensity to the transfer speculation surrounding the 27-year-old forward, but Galatasaray’s leadership has again made its position clear.

Recent reports also indicate that Arsenal have asked about Osimhen during discussions with the Turkish champions over Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.

The exact structure of Arsenal’s discussions remains unclear. It has not been established whether Galatasaray or Arsenal introduced Osimhen into the talks, nor whether the striker’s possible availability is directly connected to negotiations involving Martinelli and Nwaneri.

Reports have nevertheless fuelled speculation that the three players could feature in a wider arrangement, although there is currently no agreement between the clubs.

For Galatasaray, the reported Saudi interest represents another major test of the club’s determination to retain its star forward.

Özbek has repeatedly stated that Osimhen is central to Galatasaray’s ambitions. In his latest comments, he was even more emphatic when asked about the striker’s future.

“I will not say ‘yes’ to any deal that would harm Galatasaray or not benefit Galatasaray.

What I said about Barış Alper Yılmaz, I am now saying even more strongly about Osimhen. No matter how much the price is, I am not selling Osimhen,” Özbek said, according to reports from Turkish media.

The declaration is consistent with previous statements from the Galatasaray president. In May, Özbek said the club did not intend to sell Osimhen, while in June he described the Nigerian as a world-class player who was happy in Turkey.

Osimhen’s importance to the Turkish champions is understandable. After initially joining Galatasaray on loan, the Nigeria international made his move permanent and enjoyed another prolific campaign, scoring 22 goals and providing eight assists across 33 appearances in all competitions, according to reports.

His performances have made him one of the most sought-after forwards in the current transfer window, with major European clubs also linked with the former Napoli striker.

Arsenal’s interest now provides another intriguing dimension.

The Premier League champions have been discussing players with Galatasaray, with Martinelli and Nwaneri reportedly among the names under consideration.

Galatasaray have also shown interest in Martinelli, although reports suggest the Brazilian winger has been reluctant to move to Turkey. Nwaneri’s situation is similarly unresolved.

For now, however, the reported £111m Osimhen bid has not changed Galatasaray’s stance.

The club appears determined to build its next phase around the Nigerian forward rather than cash in on his growing market value.

Also read: Galatasaray eye Lookman in ambitious transfer move

That resolve could prove significant if Arsenal or Al-Hilal return with an even more ambitious proposal before the transfer window closes.

Quadri Olaitan

Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.