- Arsenal are actively pursuing a new striker this summer, with Joe Cole publicly recommending Victor Osimhen as the perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s squad.
- Cole believes Osimhen’s scoring form in Turkey proves he's ready for the Premier League and fits Arsenal’s style more than other options
- Osimhen’s 29-goal season at Galatasaray has reignited interest across Europe, and Arsenal may now view him as a more realistic signing.
While Arsenal continue to assess its summer striking options, former England and Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has publicly backed Galatasaray loanee Victor Osimhen as the ideal solution to Mikel Arteta’s number nine dilemma.
Speaking on The Dressing Room Podcast, Cole suggested that Osimhen, who is currently on loan from Napoli, fits the Gunners’ style more than other names linked to the club, including Newcastle’s Alexander Isak.
Osimhen, who scored his 29th goal of the season in Galatasaray’s 2-0 win over Samsunspor last Friday, has reignited attention from Europe’s top clubs after a stunning campaign in Turkey.
His loan move from Napoli may have raised eyebrows initially, but his scoring exploits have quickly reminded the football world of his class. Cole stated that despite the striker’s “strange” route to Galatasaray, he believes the Nigerian forward would be the “perfect” fit for Arsenal’s frontline.
The North London club are expected to splash on a new forward this summer, with several high-profile names on the radar. Although Alexander Isak remains a fan-favourite and a long-term target of Arteta, Newcastle’s strong financial position means the Swedish striker won’t come cheap.
Reports have already hinted at an asking price in excess of £100 million, which could prove too steep for Arsenal.
Cole expressed skepticism over Arsenal’s ability to prise Isak from Newcastle, pointing to the Magpies’ financial clout as a major obstacle. He added that Osimhen would be a more realistic and equally exciting alternative.
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta is understood to have Viktor Gyökeres at the top of his wishlist. The Sporting CP forward is also gaining attention, with his manager Rui Borges recently praising him as “phenomenal” and hinting at a likely summer departure.
Osimhen, whose contract with Napoli runs until 2026, is expected to make a permanent move at the end of the season, with reports suggesting he could be available for £55 million, a price Arsenal may consider more palatable compared to Isak’s valuation.
As the transfer window approaches, Arsenal’s striker shortlist is heating up, and Joe Cole has made it clear who should be at the top.
Osimhen, other Nigerian stars in contention for top honours at Nigeria Pitch Awards
Previously, TheRadar reported that on-loan Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen was in contention for the annual Nigeria Pitch Awards
The event has been scheduled to take place on March 25, immediately after the Super Eagles' crucial World Cup qualifier against Zimbabwe. The event organisers confirmed that the prestigious award ceremony would be hosted at the Four Points by Sheraton in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, marking the 11th edition of the highly respected football awards.
