Galatasaray have reportedly rejected an ambitious approach from Arsenal that would have seen Viktor Gyökeres head to Istanbul alongside €30 million in exchange for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
According to Turkish journalist Ömer Faruk Özcan, via Nexus Sports, senior Arsenal officials travelled to Istanbul in an effort to persuade the Turkish champions to sanction a deal for Osimhen.
However, Galatasaray are said to have dismissed the proposal outright, making it clear they have no intention of parting with one of their most prized assets.
The reported offer included Sweden international, Gyökeres, who joined Arsenal from Sporting CP in 2025, plus an additional €30m.
Despite the package, Galatasaray are understood to have refused to enter negotiations.
Osimhen remains one of the most highly rated forwards in Europe and has also attracted interest from Tottenham Hotspur.
Galatasaray reportedly value the Nigeria international at between €130m and €150m and are unwilling to entertain offers below that figure.
The Turkish champions’ stance is backed by the striker’s outstanding form since completing his permanent move to the club. Osimhen has scored 59 goals and registered 16 assists in 74 appearances across all competitions, playing a pivotal role in Galatasaray’s back-to-back Turkish Super Lig triumphs and helping establish the club as regular contenders in the UEFA Champions League.
The 27-year-old has also become a favourite among supporters under head coach Okan Buruk, further strengthening the club’s resolve to keep him.
Arsenal’s admiration for Osimhen is longstanding. Sporting director Andrea Berta is reported to have previously travelled to Istanbul to monitor the former Napoli forward, while the latest approach comes amid scrutiny over Gyökeres’ adaptation following his move from Sporting.
Any potential deal is complicated by Osimhen’s long-term commitment to Galatasaray.
He signed a four-year contract in July 2025, keeping him at the club until June 2029, in what has been described as the most lucrative agreement ever awarded to a player in Turkish football.
The package is reportedly worth around €21m net per season through wages, loyalty bonuses and image-rights payments.
Galatasaray paid Napoli €75m to secure the striker’s permanent transfer, with the Serie A club retaining a 10 per cent sell-on clause.
The agreement also reportedly includes a provision preventing Galatasaray from selling Osimhen to another Italian club before 2027 without incurring a significant financial penalty.
Despite continuing speculation over his future, Osimhen is understood to be content in Istanbul.
The Nigerian international reportedly held positive talks with Buruk and senior club officials before returning for pre-season preparations.
Transfer specialist, Fabrizio Romano, has also stated that the situation remains under control, with Osimhen happy at Galatasaray unless an exceptional offer arrives from the Premier League.