Arsenal must utilise a fracture among the Chelsea hierarchy to sign Victor Osimhen from SSC Napoli with Mikel Arteta interested in the attacker’s blockbuster transfer.

The Emirates Stadium team are likely to be in the market to buy a new centre-forward in the January window. Arteta has identified Osimhen as one potential target who can add another dimension to Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah. But Arsenal are far from alone in a likely race.

Osimhen would have his choice of suitors were the 24-year-old to agree to leave Napoli. The Nigerian is among Europe’s apex predators and has scored five goals from nine games so far this season. He also has one assist and even scored 31 times over just 39 outings last term.

Chelsea are split over signing Arsenal target Osimhen in January

Reports by The Sun note that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are among the teams showing interest in Osimhen’s transfer from Napoli. The Premier League sides are on alert to his potential availability with the striker considering his future amid a rift at the Serie A club.

Napoli value Osimhen at £150m with Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also following his situation. His goals fired the Azzurri to their first Scudetto since 1990 last season. Yet 90min also reports that Chelsea are split over targeting Osimhen’s transfer come the January sales.

Stamford Bridge chiefs are divided over whether or not to invest in a centre-forward in mid-season or bide their time. The Blues concede that Mauricio Pochettino will need an upgrade in the position eventually, so are now following Osimhen’s talks over a new contract closely.

Belief is strong at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona that Osimhen will pen an extension and stay beyond 2025. Yet the recent rift between the striker and Serie A side has increased the 27-cap attacker’s demands. He now wants a significant pay rise and a release clause to sign.

Arteta must get the jump on Chelsea and land a seismic transfer

Chelsea are sceptical about moving for Osimhen in January given there could be alternatives available in the summer. But that split at the Bridge about a mid-season swoop should be all the fuel Arsenal need to get the jump on Chelsea and target Osimhen’s transfer from Napoli.

The Nigerian would be a ground-breaking addition to Arteta’s team and may be the final cog needed to win the Premier League. Gary Lineker thinks Osimhen would be a ‘great addition’ for Arsenal, as well. He would certainly bring a different option than Jesus and Nketiah, too.

Defenders also hate playing against the 6 ft 1 frontman, too. Chelsea product Fikayo Tomori feels Osimhen is ‘very annoying’ to play against as the Napoli ace is ‘very dynamic’. The pair have met four times with Osimhen scoring twice – including once with Lille against Chelsea.

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