Victor Osimhen transfer: Ex-Inter striker rules out Arsenal move in Barcelona’s favour

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been linked with a move to Barcelona and Arsenal this summer, but legend Obafemi Martins has weighed in on the best destination for the Galatasaray forward, Soccernet.ng reports.

The former Napoli man has found himself at the centre of transfer speculation, with several European heavyweights interested in signing the 27-year-old before the transfer window closes.

Arsenal have been among the clubs linked with the Nigerian international, with the Gunners previously exploring a move for the striker as they looked to strengthen their attack.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

Manchester United have also emerged as a potential destination for Osimhen, while Barcelona were in the conversation amid reports surrounding their search for another attacking option before they signed Brazilian striker Gabriel Jesus.

🚨🔵🔴 BREAKING: Barcelona agree deal to sign Gabriel Jesus from Arsenal, here we go!

Exclusive details: medical booked on Monday, #AFC to receive €10m package plus add-ons for permament deal.

Gabriel Jesus will travel for medical as authorized by Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/Y4nFKERn3y

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2026

Osimhen, meanwhile, has started the new season in excellent form for Galatasaray, scoring five goals and providing two assists in three league matches and continuing to underline why Europe's biggest clubs are interested in his services.

The striker's future has become one of the major transfer stories involving a Nigerian player, but Martins believes a move to Spain would give Osimhen the best opportunity to maximise his goalscoring ability.

Obafemi Martins backs Barcelona move over Arsenal

Speaking on the Obi One Podcast, Martins questioned whether Osimhen would thrive in the Premier League and specifically expressed doubts about Arsenal and Chelsea as potential destinations.

“What team, though?” Martins said when asked whether Osimhen would thrive in the English Premier League,” the former Newcastle United striker said.

“Chelsea are not doing well at the moment, but he'll struggle at Arsenal because of the way they play.”

The former Inter Milan striker acknowledged that Osimhen could fit into Arsenal's squad but believes the Nigerian would not enjoy the same goalscoring opportunities that could be available to him at Barcelona.

“I'm not a fan of Arsenal, but while he might fit in there, he won't score at the same way if he moves to Barcelona.”

“Let him go to Barcelona; he needs to score goals, not struggle a lot. I don't want Osimhen at Chelsea.”

The Gunners' pursuit of a prolific centre-forward has already been linked with several twists, including a reported proposal involving Gabriel Martinelli before the Brazilian joined Al-Hilal.

🚨🔵⚪️ BREAKING: Gabriel Martinelli to Al Hilal, here we go! Verbal agreement done for fee over €65m add-ons included.

Martinelli will sign a long term deal as he just had authorization to travel in 24h.

Watkins + Martinelli, plan confirmed.

Deal agreed – @MatteMoretto. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏼🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/rkN5UNdNoE

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 30, 2026

Barcelona's situation has also changed, with the Catalan giants agreeing a deal for Gabriel Jesus, creating another layer to the speculation over their attacking plans and what it could mean for Osimhen.

Victor Osimhen's form strengthens his transfer case

Whatever destination eventually emerges, Osimhen has continued to strengthen his position through his performances for Galatasaray.

The Nigerian striker joined the Turkish champions permanently from Napoli in 2025 after his successful loan spell and established himself as the most important player in Okan Buruk's side.

Galatasaray have already demonstrated how highly they value the striker, rejecting a €130 million offer from Al-Hilal this summer.

His start to the new campaign has only increased the pressure on any club hoping to prise him away from Istanbul. Arsenal, Manchester United and Barcelona have all been mentioned in connection with the Nigerian, but the financial demands involved could make a deal difficult.

For Obafemi Martins, Osimhen's transfer decision should not be about which club can afford the striker, but that the Galatasaray striker needs a team where his abilities are maximised.