Arsenal plot summer raid for ‘£60m’ star dubbed ‘best player in Italy’

Arsenal are understood to be keeping tabs on Napoli forward Victor Osimhen ahead of a potential summer transfer.

According to a report from the Mirror, the Gunners are admirers of the Nigerian star, and could look to bring him in in an effort to bolster their options at the point of attack.

Mikel Arteta’s men are looking decidedly understaffed up front following Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s move to Barcelona, with speculation persisting over potential summer exits for Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah too.

With that in mind Osimhen is said to be one of Arsenal’s “top targets” in that area of the pitch, but would almost certainly cost the Gunners a handsome fee.

Napoli paid around £60 million to sign him from Lille back in 2020, and it is claimed that the Serie A side would ideally like to recoup as much of that investment as possible.

Another key factor in any potential deal could also be whether or not the Arteta’s men can secure Champions League football for next season.

How highly is Osimhen rated?

That, of course, depends on who you ask, but the 23-year-old certainly has a fan in former Arsenal striker Kanu.

Speaking about his compatriot earlier in the season, the ex-Gunner said: “Osimhen, if you ask me, is the best player in Italy. He is the best player in the Italian league now.

“If he maintains his form he will win the African Player of The Year award sooner than expected.

“There are other Nigerian players doing very well in Europe, but Osimhen is presently the best.”