Arteta wasting no time but Newcastle rival Arsenal for £58m striker target
Arsenal and Newcastle United have reportedly turned their attention to Napoli star Victor Osimhen as the Premier League duo target a striker this month.
Both clubs are hoping to bolster their attacking ranks during the January transfer window. The Gunners had made no secret of their desire to land Fiorentina ace Dusan Vlahovic. However, the Serbia international seemingly only has eyes for Juventus and has rejected the chance to move to the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta has issues over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah. And the Spanish tactician has urged technical director Edu to find him a forward before the window closes.
The north Londoners have been linked with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad and Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic. And, on Tuesday, Spanish newspaper AS claimed they were keen on Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas.
But Gazzetta dello Sport, via Football Italia, suggest they are now targeting 23-year-old Osimhen. The Nigeria international has bagged five goals from 13 Serie A appearances this term.
He scored 10 in 2020-2021 and 13 the previous season when playing for French club Lille. The Lagos-born star has an enviable strike rate at international level, with 10 goals from 18 outings.
However, he was robbed of the chance to play at the Africa Cup of Nations after a positive Covid test. His omission has proved controversial.
The Super Eagles feel he was prevented for playing by his club over concerns about a facial injury suffered last year. The former Wolfsburg ace had been in red-hot form for his nation, with five goals from eight appearances in 2021.
But he has had to watch events in Cameroon from afar. Osimhen has been priced at around £58m and it is not known if Arsenal would be prepared to go that high.
Osimhen joins list of Newcastle targets
The Magpies have been linked with so many players this month. They have to date added striker Chris Wood and full-back Kieran Trippier to the squad.
Eddie Howe is desperate to acquire a new striker for the current battle against relegation. The Tynesiders sit 18th in the top-flight standings having won their second league match of the campaign.
They are a point from safety in what is looking like a five-way battle to avoid the drop. Teams that score goals usually have the edge in a relegation battle.
And, while Wood is an admirable target man, he is not prolific in front of goal. Howe will hope that Osimhen brings his Nigeria form to St James’ Park if they manage to get a deal over the line.
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