Arsenal warned over Victor Osimhen transfer as Alan Smith raises fresh doubts

Retold by Oddsrama · 20 August 2026

Victor Osimhen's goalscoring record speaks for itself—22 goals in 33 games for Galatasaray last season, 32 in 37 the year before, and 65 league goals across his time at Napoli. The Nigerian striker is undeniably one of Europe's most prolific finishers, which is why Arsenal's rumoured interest makes obvious sense. With the summer window closing September 1, the Gunners are weighing up a move for a player willing to leave Turkey. But Arsenal legend Alan Smith has sounded a note of caution that goes beyond doubting Osimhen's ability.

Smith's issue isn't whether Osimhen can score—that's settled. His concern is whether he fits what Mikel Arteta actually wants from a centre forward in his system. When Osimhen left Napoli for Galatasaray, many thought his Premier League window had closed. Yet the move to Turkey proved his class. However, Smith argues Arsenal must be crystal clear on what type of striker they're hunting. Do they need pure goalscoring power, or a more complete forward whose all-around play meshes with Arteta's tactics? "It wouldn't strike me as an Arsenal signing," Smith told Gooners News, while acknowledging he could be wrong.

Arsenal already have options through the middle. Viktor Gyökeres, signed from Sporting for £55m-plus in July 2025, arrived with a fearsome 97 goals in 102 matches over two seasons. Kai Havertz has thrived as a centre forward in crucial Premier League matches. The club just won the league with 85 points and reached the Champions League final—so the urgency to overhaul attack depth is debatable. Then there's the cost: Galatasaray paid €75m for Osimhen and bankroll wages exceeding £300,000 weekly. A deal would demand a massive fee and salary commitment close to Arsenal's top earners.

Osimhen would bring speed, power, movement, and a proven finishing touch. But Smith's question lingers: is he the profile Arsenal truly needs, or does Arteta's philosophy point elsewhere? That choice—a proven European goalscorer versus a forward who elevates the entire team—could define Arsenal's late-window strategy.

Based on original reporting by Soccernet NG. Read the original at soccernet.ng →

#Arsenal#Victor Osimhen#Galatasaray#Transfers

Arsenal warned over Victor Osimhen transfer as Alan Smith raises fresh doubts

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