Arsenal's Resolution to the Victor Osimhen Transfer Puzzle: Emerging Swap Deal Reveals the Solution

 

Arsenal's Resolution to the Victor Osimhen Transfer Puzzle: Emerging Swap Deal Reveals the Solution

Arsenal's next significant transfer move appears to be centered around the recruitment of a new center-forward. During the recent summer transfer window, the Gunners made substantial investments, exceeding £200 million, focusing on a major overhaul of their midfield with the acquisitions of Kai Havertz and Declan Rice. They also fortified their defense by bringing in the versatile defender Jurrien Timber and goalkeeper David Raya.

Folarin Balogun, a product of Arsenal's Hale End academy, was once viewed as a potential long-term first-choice striker. However, Arsenal's manager, Mikel Arteta, made the decision to cash in on the 22-year-old while his market value was high. Balogun was sold to an unnamed club in a deal worth €40 million (£34 million), which also included a 17.5% sell-on clause, as reported by football.london.

There has been speculation that Brentford's Ivan Toney could be a potential target for Arsenal. However, a closer examination of Toney's goal-scoring record reveals that he might not be the transformative presence Arteta's team needs. While Toney impressively netted 20 times in the Premier League last season, it's worth noting that six of those goals were penalties. In the previous league season, he scored 12 times, with five of those goals coming from the penalty spot.

For a more thrilling option up front, Arsenal might consider Napoli's Victor Osimhen. Osimhen recently had a falling out with Napoli due to a TikTok-related scandal, leading to a formal statement from his agent, Roberto Calenda, condemning the Italian club. There's even a report from Calciomercato suggesting that Napoli is interested in Arsenal's Gabriel Jesus as a potential replacement, which could potentially lead to a swap deal involving Osimhen.

Realistically, Arsenal may benefit from both Jesus and Osimhen. Gabriel Jesus offers a unique combination of intense pressing, elite hold-up play, and the ability to take on players with his exceptional dribbling skills. Meanwhile, Osimhen's goal-scoring prowess speaks for itself. He scored an impressive 26 goals in Serie A last season, with just two of those coming from penalties. Additionally, he found the back of the net five times in the UEFA Champions League, demonstrating his ability to perform at the highest level – a quality that Arsenal sorely needs. Furthermore, there's potential for Jesus and Osimhen to play together effectively.

In a recent match, Jesus showcased his versatility by playing on the right wing in the absence of Bukayo Saka. He also started on the left flank in the North London Derby against Tottenham Hotspur last month. The prospect of these two forwards collaborating is indeed an exciting one for Arsenal fans, who are eager to see their attacking lineup reinforced either in the upcoming January transfer window or, if necessary, in the summer.