Victor Osimhen left Arsenal with something to monitor and Galatasaray with a problem to manage. After scoring twice in the Turkish club’s 2-2 opening-day draw with Corum FK, he was asked about his future and did not close the door on a move. He also went over to the ultras behind the goal to apologise at the final whistle.

Osimhen’s public stance

"There are always rumours during the transfer windows. I’ll focus on my job. I’m focused on my work. We’ll see and think about what comes next then," Victor Osimhen told goal.com.

The line is careful rather than committed, which is exactly why it keeps the story alive. He followed it with another note about the season ahead, saying, "It’s going to be a tough season. The team is aware of that. I’m ready to give everything for this club."

His recent Champions League numbers are decent without being dominant. Osimhen’s last five appearances in the competition have produced two goal contributions and a 6.7 average rating, so the output is there even if the performances have not looked especially explosive.

Galatasaray and Arsenal’s position

Galatasaray are not inviting any sale talk. The club’s president told standard.co.uk: "I will not say 'yes' to any transaction that will harm Galatasaray or not benefit Galatasaray... No matter how much the price is, I am not selling Osimhen."

That stance is backed by a long contract, with Osimhen tied to the club until June 2029. Galatasaray also rejected a £111m bid from Al Hilal earlier this summer, which shows how firmly they are trying to hold the line.

Arsenal remain part of the conversation because Mikel Arteta has been open about wanting more attacking depth. Speaking to standard.co.uk, he said the club are "actively trying" to improve the squad, while admitting deals depend on more than Arsenal alone.

The Gunners are also on a five-game winning run in the league and Europe, and they scored 71 league goals last season. That is a strong base, but it still leaves room for a more proven central striker if the market opens up. Osimhen is not close to moving now, but he has not shut the discussion down either, and Galatasaray’s hard line means any real progress would need a lot to change before June 2029.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →