Arsenal have already been told why they must seal £42.5m swap deal over Victor Osimhen

As Mikel Arteta attempts to expand his attacking options, Arsenal has been linked to both Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Atalanta winger Ademola Lookman in recent weeks.

Ademola Lookman is a superior forward to his Nigerian teammate Victor Osimhen, according to an insider tip that Arsenal has received in its pursuit of a forward this summer transfer window.

With just one week until the transfer window ends, the Gunners are still involved in trade activities. Mikel Merino, a Spanish midfielder, is about to join them from Real Sociedad for a reported fee of £28.4 million plus £4.2 million in add-ons.

Following defender Riccardo Calafiori and goalkeeper David Raya, Merino will become Arsenal’s third summer addition with a four-year deal that includes a five-year option. Additionally, the North Londoners intend to offload a few players, including as Aaron Ramsdale and Eddie Nketiah.

And although it’s uncertain if Arsenal will bolster their roster further, Mikel Arteta, the manager, is still searching for a forward. Lookman, the winger for Atlanta, and Osimhen, the striker for Napoli, are two possible names that have lately come to light.

Due to his goal-scoring prowess, which helped Napoli win their first Scudetto in thirty-three years in 2022–2023, Osimhen is the more appealing name. He has also been linked to major teams like Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. Lookman, however, had a fantastic 2023–24 campaign that culminated in a hat-trick in the Europa League championship.

Having guided both players to the 2024 AFCON final, former Nigerian national team manager Jose Peseiro had more positive things to say about the 26-year-old Lookman.

“Ademola is more skilled than Osimhen, has a stronger desire to design the game, and is now a scorer as well. This year, he is doing really well,” Peseiro told SportItalia. “We are glad that he is constantly playing; he grew up with (Atalanta manager) Gian Piero Gasperini. excellent calibre, he is capable of greatness as well.

“It’s no accident that they’ve both grown this year,” he continued. This is a result of the fact that they both play within sound systems. Both Napoli and Atalanta desire the ball, to play, and to attack. This is how players become enthusiastic under these circumstances. The last few years have seen significant changes in Italian football.”

As to a report published this week by SportItalia, Arsenal is considering making a substantial bid of £42.5 million, plus defender Jakub Kiwior, to convince Atalanta to release Lookman. Despite being on the verge of joining PSG, he signed a player-plus-cash agreement, which means he missed the Italian team’s opening two games of the season due to injury.

The former star of Everton, RB Leipzig, and Leicester is reportedly in agreement on personal terms with PSG, according to Sky Sports Germany. However, the Gunners might yet intervene and entice him to return to his hometown if they make a stronger offer. There have also been hints that Lookman might end up having a buyout option on a loan agreement.

Osimhen is most effective when he plays as a number nine in the box, whereas Lookman has a drastically different profile as a wide forward. At first, Arsenal intended to sign an all-out striker this summer, but trades for their top two targets, Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko, looked improbable.

It is now acknowledged that Kai Havertz, with Gabriel Jesus serving as his backup, would lead their attack this season. Given the amount of minutes Bukayo Saka has played in recent seasons, a wide forward may be more important, which makes Lookman a more wise addition than Osimhen.

Lookman has played on loan for Everton, Fulham, and Leicester City, so he is no stranger to English football. Arteta would have taken into consideration that his fellow Nigerian player, who has played in Germany, France, and Italy, lacked that experience.

More significantly, Osimhen costs a whopping £84.9 million, according to Corriere dello Sport. The 25-year-old’s signing is being pursued by PSG and Chelsea throughout summer, so Napoli can afford to demand a higher price for him.

Italy reports that Arsenal hasn’t given up on Victor Osimhen yet, despite his apparent withdrawal from the race. But according to recent remarks made by Fabrizio Romano, “there is nothing [no news] regarding Arsenal’s reported interest.”

Giovanni Manna, the sporting director of Napoli, acknowledged that he had anticipated losing the Nigerian midfielder, stating: “Victor is a significant player, with significant value and conditions.” It’s obvious what he wants.

“At this time, we made an effort to keep the squad intact. We will watch what transpires over the next ten days as we are not the only club in this predicament. It is inappropriate to describe the sensations at this moment. We’re collaborating with his group to identify the appropriate course of action.”