Former Chelsea and Arsenal defender William Gallas has urged Arsenal to sign Victor Osimhen this summer but fears that Mikel Arteta lacks the personality to manage the prolific striker, who remains a long-term target for Chelsea.
Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes have suffered a major blow due to an injury crisis that has left them without a natural goalscorer.
With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the season, Arteta has been forced to play Mikel Merino as a makeshift forward, with mixed results.
Despite their attacking struggles, Arsenal are reportedly targeting Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko as potential summer reinforcements. However, Gallas believes Osimhen—who is currently on loan from Napoli at Galatasaray—could be the ideal signing.
“Osimhen would be the man I would try and sign,” Gallas told Prime Casino. “He’s been performing well for Galatasaray, obviously on loan from Napoli, and he’s only going to be there for a season.”
The Nigerian forward has impressed in Turkey, but Gallas questioned whether Arteta would be the right coach to handle his strong personality.
“He’s a good player. Maybe not the player, but maybe he can score 20 a season. But if he doesn’t, he gives you movement, he gives space for the second forward to exploit and score goals,” Gallas explained.
“He takes the focus of defenders, so he could play with Kai Havertz or another striker. He will be a little bit more free and then he can score goals for the club. So that’s why a striker like him would be good for Arsenal.”
Despite his strong belief in Osimhen’s ability, Gallas admitted he was surprised by the striker’s move to Turkey.
“I was talking about this many years ago. He was too good, I think, to go to Galatasaray. I’m still saying the same thing. I know the club’s fans are going to be on my back again.”
While Arsenal remain focused on other targets, Chelsea’s long-standing interest in Osimhen could see them take advantage of Arteta’s reluctance.
With Enzo Maresca keen to bolster his attacking options, the Blues could be in pole position to land the highly-rated striker this summer.