Galatasaray Reject Arsenal’s Gyökeres-Plus-€30m Swap Bid for Osimhen

Galatasaray have reportedly rejected a formal offer from Arsenal that would have seen Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres and €30 million exchanged for Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen.

According to Turkish journalist Ömer Faruk Özcan, senior Arsenal officials travelled to Istanbul to present the proposal directly to the Turkish champions, but Galatasaray immediately turned it down.

The Super Lig champions are said to value Osimhen at between €130 million and €150 million, believing Arsenal’s player-plus-cash offer fell well short of their valuation.

Osimhen has established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers since joining Galatasaray on a permanent deal. The 26-year-old has scored 59 goals and registered 16 assists in 74 appearances, helping the Istanbul club win back-to-back Turkish Super Lig titles and secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League.

The Nigeria international signed a four-year contract with Galatasaray in July 2025, reportedly worth around €21 million net per season, making it the most lucrative deal in Turkish football history.

Galatasaray paid Napoli €75 million to secure Osimhen’s signature, with the Serie A club retaining a 10 per cent sell-on clause. The agreement also includes a clause preventing the striker from being sold to another Italian club before 2027.

Arsenal’s latest move underlines the club’s long-standing interest in Osimhen. Sporting director Andrea Berta is understood to have monitored the former Napoli striker extensively, including scouting him in Istanbul.

However, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has reported that Osimhen has not asked to leave Galatasaray and remains fully committed to the club under manager Okan Buruk.

Arsenal’s reported approach also comes amid growing scrutiny over Gyökeres’ adaptation following his move from Sporting CP in 2025, with the Premier League club continuing its search for a proven goalscorer ahead of the new season.

While speculation over Osimhen’s future is expected to continue, Galatasaray’s firm stance suggests they have no intention of parting with their star striker unless a bid matching their valuation is submitted.