Arsenal’s Andrea Berta Scouting Victor Osimhen Amid Striker Search
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly been monitoring Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as the Premier League club intensifies its search for a new center forward ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Italian executive, who joined Arsenal in January 2025, has been linked with a series of high-profile targets as Mikel Arteta’s side looks to address its attacking options. Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, has emerged as one of the most discussed names in Arsenal’s transfer plans, according to multiple reports verified against primary sources.
Berta’s Scouting Mission: What We Grasp
Diario AS reported on April 27, 2026, that Berta has been actively scouting Osimhen, though no formal bid has been submitted. The report aligns with earlier coverage from The Athletic and CaughtOffside, which identified Osimhen as part of Arsenal’s striker shortlist alongside Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.
Osimhen, 27, has been on loan at Galatasaray since August 2025 after Napoli struggled to uncover a permanent buyer for the Nigerian international. His contract with Napoli runs until June 2027, with Galatasaray holding an option to purchase that has not yet been triggered. The striker has scored 12 goals in 22 Süper Lig appearances this season, per official league records.
Arsenal’s interest comes as the club faces a striker crisis. First-choice forwards Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have both missed significant time due to injury this season, forcing Arteta to deploy midfielder Mikel Merino as a makeshift forward in recent matches. The team’s attacking struggles were evident in early 2026, though a 4-1 victory over PSV Eindhoven in the UEFA Champions League on March 4 demonstrated improved depth in the squad.
Arteta and Berta’s Differing Preferences
Although Berta has reportedly prioritized Osimhen and Gyokeres, Arteta is said to favor Alexander Isak as his ideal solution. The Newcastle striker, however, has been deemed “not for sale” by the Magpies, who are reportedly demanding a fee in excess of £120 million ($150 million) to even consider offers, according to The Athletic.
This internal disagreement highlights the complexity of Arsenal’s transfer strategy. Berta, known for his data-driven approach during his tenure at Atlético Madrid, appears to be targeting forwards with proven goal-scoring records in top European leagues. Osimhen fits this profile, having scored 76 goals in 133 appearances for Napoli across all competitions before his loan move to Galatasaray.
Gyokeres, meanwhile, has been prolific since joining Sporting CP from Coventry City in 2024. The Swedish striker has scored 30 goals in 26 Primeira Liga matches this season, per official league data, and has already won the league title with the Portuguese club. His physical style and aerial ability make him a strong candidate for Arsenal’s system, though his price tag—reportedly around £80 million ($100 million)—may offer the club pause.
Osimhen’s Situation: A Complicated Transfer
Osimhen’s transfer status is particularly complex. Napoli, facing financial pressures, have been eager to offload the striker since 2024 but have struggled to find a buyer willing to meet their valuation. The club reportedly rejected a £100 million ($125 million) bid from Chelsea in January 2025, per The Guardian, before sending Osimhen on loan to Galatasaray with an option to buy for £60 million ($75 million).
Galatasaray’s financial situation remains precarious, making it unlikely they will trigger the purchase option. This could leave Osimhen in limbo, available for a cut-price deal this summer. However, Napoli’s asking price—reportedly around £70 million ($88 million)—may still be a sticking point for Arsenal, who are reportedly working with a more conservative transfer budget.
Osimhen’s contract also includes a release clause of £110 million ($138 million), which decreases by £10 million ($12.5 million) each year. If he remains at Napoli beyond June 2026, the clause will drop to £100 million ($125 million), potentially making him more affordable for top clubs.
Arsenal’s Tactical Needs: What Osimhen Would Bring
Osimhen’s profile aligns with Arsenal’s tactical needs. The Nigerian striker is known for his pace, physicality, and clinical finishing in the penalty area—qualities that have been lacking in Arsenal’s attack this season. His ability to hold up play and link with midfielders like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard could provide a much-needed focal point for Arteta’s system.
In the 4-1 win over PSV, Arsenal demonstrated an improved attacking structure, with seven players flooding the penalty area for Jurrien Timber’s goal and six for Ethan Nwaneri’s strike. Osimhen’s movement and finishing could further enhance this approach, particularly in games where Arsenal dominate possession but struggle to break down deep defenses.
However, Osimhen’s injury record may give Arsenal pause. The striker has missed a combined 50 matches across the past three seasons due to various ailments, including muscle strains and a facial fracture sustained in a collision with a pitch invader in 2023. His availability would be a key consideration for Arteta, who has already dealt with significant injury issues this season.
What’s Next for Arsenal’s Striker Search?
Arsenal’s next confirmed fixture is a Premier League match against Manchester United at Aged Trafford on May 3, 2026. The result could influence the club’s transfer strategy, particularly if the team continues to struggle for goals. A strong finish to the season might reduce the urgency to sign a new striker, while another poor run could accelerate Berta’s plans.
The summer transfer window opens on June 10, 2026, with the Premier League’s deadline set for August 8. Arsenal are expected to move quickly if they identify a preferred target, though the club’s financial constraints—reportedly influenced by the need to balance UEFA Financial Fair Play regulations—may limit their options.
For now, Osimhen remains one of several names in the mix. Berta’s scouting reports, combined with Arteta’s tactical preferences, will ultimately determine whether the Nigerian striker becomes Arsenal’s next number nine—or whether the club pivots to another target like Gyokeres or a younger option such as RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško.
Key Takeaways
- Andrea Berta has been scouting Victor Osimhen, but no formal bid has been made, per Diario AS and verified reports.
- Osimhen is on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, with his contract running until June 2027. Galatasaray have an option to buy but are unlikely to trigger it.
- Mikel Arteta prefers Alexander Isak, but Newcastle are demanding over £120 million ($150 million) for the striker, making a deal unlikely.
- Viktor Gyokeres is Berta’s alternative target, with the Sporting CP striker having scored 30 goals in 26 Primeira Liga matches this season.
- Arsenal’s striker crisis has seen midfielder Mikel Merino deployed as a makeshift forward due to injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.
- Osimhen’s injury record—50 missed matches over three seasons—could be a concern for Arsenal, who have already dealt with significant absences this year.
