Galatasaray are making a bold effort to keep Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen away from his biggest admirers, with Manchester United and Arsenal both preparing major offers for the Nigerian star, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Turkish champions have already shown their commitment by turning Osimhen's loan move into a permanent transfer worth €75 million, a deal that broke the Turkish transfer record.
Osimhen repaid that trust by leading the club to another Super Lig title as well as an impressive outing in the UEFA Champions League. His displays have again caught the attention of Europe's biggest clubs, with a reported verbal offer of €120 million from Atlético Madrid already rejected.
While the Nigeria international continues to pop up on the radar of wealthy suitors, Galatasaray have made clear that they have no intention of selling the former Napoli ace.
It may even appear that club executives are preparing a powerful gesture to convince Osimhen to remain in Istanbul beyond the summer transfer window.
According to reports from Turkey, Galatasaray's latest plan is to hand Osimhen the club captaincy ahead of the 2026/27 season. The move would place him at the centre of the club's sporting project as they prepare for another league and UEFA Champions League campaign. Interestingly, this comes a couple of days after a former international insists that Osimhen is unfit to be Super Eagles captain.
Head coach Okan Buruk is reportedly fully behind the idea. The former Turkish international has repeatedly praised Osimhen's influence in the dressing room, his leadership qualities on the pitch, and the energy he brings to the squad.
The captaincy proposal is also linked to the future of Argentine striker Mauro Icardi, who is the current skipper. If Icardi leaves the club during this transfer window, Osimhen is expected to inherit Galatasaray's famous No. 9 jersey.
Osimhen previously declined the Galatasaray captain's armband during a match, choosing instead to show respect to senior midfielder İlkay Gündoğan. Galatasaray now want to make the leadership role permanent and demonstrate how highly he is valued at the club.
Victor Osimhen: Galatasaray's strategy amid Man United, Arsenal interest
Galatasaray's determination to keep Osimhen comes as interest grows from several top European clubs, especially in the Premier League.
Manchester United are believed to be among the strongest contenders for the 27-year-old striker. New manager Michael Carrick reportedly sees Osimhen as his dream signing after United secured a third-place Premier League finish.
The Red Devils are looking to strengthen their attack as Joshua Zirkzee is expected to leave Old Trafford. Osimhen is viewed as the proven goalscorer capable of leading United's frontline alongside Benjamin Šeško.
Reports suggest United could be prepared to spend between £110 million and £130 million to convince Galatasaray to sell. Osimhen himself has previously described links with Manchester United as an honour, although he has left negotiations to his representatives.
Arsenal are also pushing strongly for the Super Eagles forward. Manager Mikel Arteta is believed to see Osimhen as the final piece needed to transform the Gunners into and Champions League winners.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly held discussions with Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek as Arsenal explore a potential deal. The North London club are said to be working on a package worth around €130 million, with the total financial commitment potentially reaching £200 million once wages and bonuses are included.
Chelsea remain interested but are currently taking a more cautious approach than their Premier League rivals.
Osimhen currently earns a record-breaking salary package worth €15 million per year, making him the highest-paid player in Turkish football history.
