Galatasaray have ruled out the prospect of selling Victor Osimhen to Arsenal before the end of the transfer window, according to reports in Turkey.
Arsenal have discussed a potential move for Osimhen during talks with Galatasaray over deals for Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
Osimhen, who permanently joined Galatasaray in a €75 million (£64.8m) deal from Napoli last summer, has played a major role in helping the Turkish club win consecutive league titles with 59 goals in 74 appearances across the last two seasons.
When asked about his future after scoring twice in Galatasaray’s 2-2 draw at home to newly promoted Corum FK in the opening game of the new Super Lig season on Friday night, Osimhen refused to rule out the prospect of moving clubs before the end of the window.
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‘There are always rumours during the transfer windows,’ Osimhen said.
‘I’ll focus on my job. I’m focused on my work. We’ll see and think about what comes next then.’
However, according to 343 Digital, Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek is privately adamant that Osimhen will not be sold under any circumstances.
‘I will not say ‘yes’ to any transaction that will harm Galatasaray or not benefit Galatasaray,’ Ozbek is said to have told his inner circle.
‘What I said about Baris Alper Yilmaz, I am now saying even more strongly about Osimhen. No matter how much the price is, I am not selling Osimhen.’
Earlier this week, Galatasaray rejected a €130m (£111m) bid from Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for the Nigeria international.
In an exclusive interview with Metro last year, John Obi Mikel revealed that the 27-year-old striker was keen on joining a club capable of winning the Champions League and advised him against a move to the Saudi Pro League.
‘I think we want to see him in the Champions League so maybe Arsenal might be the destination. Maybe there is a door open there for Victor,’ said Obi Mikel, who was directly involved in Chelsea’s failed negotiations to sign Osimhen two years ago.
‘I’ve had a few conversations with him. I won’t say much about what those conversations were but he is working to make sure he ends up at a top, top European league where he can showcase his talent and compete to win the Champions League.’
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