Arsenal’s Gyökeres plus €30m swap bid for Super Eagles star rejected – reports

Arsenal's search for a world-class striker has suffered another setback after Galatasaray reportedly rejected an ambitious player-plus-cash offer for Nigerian star Victor Osimhen, Soccernet.ng reports.

According to Turkish journalist Ömer Faruk Özcan, via Nexus Sports, senior Arsenal officials traveled to Istanbul in an attempt to convince the Turkish champions to sell their prized striker. Instead of making a straight cash bid, the Premier League club proposed a swap deal involving Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres and an additional €30 million.

Arsenal wanted Gyökeres to replace Barcelona-linked Osimhen in Galatasaray's attack while paying extra money to complete the transfer. However, the Turkish giants refused to consider the proposal.

Galatasaray believe Osimhen, who is also on Tottenham's radar, is one of the most valuable players in world football after his outstanding performances since arriving from Napoli. Club officials have consistently made it clear that they will not negotiate unless an offer reaches their valuation, which has been reported to be between €130 million and €150 million.

The club's confidence is backed by Osimhen's incredible form in Istanbul. Since joining permanently, the Nigerian international has scored 59 goals and provided 16 assists in 74 appearances across all competitions. Those numbers helped Galatasaray win back-to-back Turkish Süper Lig titles and establish themselves as regular challengers in European football.

Osimhen has also become a huge Istanbul fan favourite. His energetic style, leadership and decisive goals have made him the face of Galatasaray's ambitious sporting project under coach Okan Buruk.

Arsenal's search continues as Osimhen remains happy in Istanbul

Arsenal's interest in Osimhen is not new. Sporting director Andrea Berta had previously visited Istanbul to monitor the Nigerian forward and discuss the possibility of a future transfer.

The renewed approach comes after questions emerged over Gyökeres' adaptation following his expensive move from Sporting CP in 2025. While the Swedish forward has shown flashes of quality, Arsenal are believed to want an even more clinical striker capable of leading their attack in the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.

Yet convincing Galatasaray, who recently fixed a major financial problem for Osimhen, to sell remains extremely difficult. The Nigerian signed a permanent four-year contract in July 2025 that runs until June 2029. The agreement is reportedly the biggest financial package ever handed to a player in Turkish football, with earnings worth about €21 million net per season through salary, loyalty bonuses and image-rights payments.

Galatasaray also paid Napoli €75 million to complete the transfer, with the Italian club retaining a 10% sell-on clause for any future profit. In addition, a special agreement prevents Galatasaray from selling Osimhen back to an Italian club before 2027 without facing a heavy financial penalty.

Despite constant transfer speculation, Osimhen has shown no signs of forcing a move. He recently held positive discussions with coach Okan Buruk and club executives before returning for pre-season training. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also reported that everything remains under control regarding the striker's future.

Although Osimhen has never hidden his long-term ambition of playing in the Premier League, he is understood to be happy in Istanbul and willing to continue leading Galatasaray unless an English club presents an exceptional sporting and financial proposal.