Osimhen sends unwanted January transfer warning to Arsenal

Arsenal transfer target Victor Osimhen showcased his scoring prowess once again as he found the net for Nigeria in a thrilling African Cup of Nations clash against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.

While his performance added fuel to the Arsenal transfer speculation, there were notable cautions for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Leading the line for the Super Eagles in their Group A opener, Osimhen expertly nodded in Ademola Lookman’s cross to level the score after Iban Salvador’s early opener.

Despite the dominance of Peseiro’s men, they were held to a 1-1 draw against the 88th-ranked nation globally, raising eyebrows in the football world.

READ ALSO: 3 Players Mikel Arteta wants Arsenal to Sign in January Transfer window 

The Napoli frontman’s performance, although marked by his goal-scoring instinct, revealed a less clinical side.

According to FOTMOB statistics, the Nigerian international recorded a shot accuracy of only 33 percent, indicating that Osimhen managed to test the goalkeeper with just two out of six attempts on goal.

In the second half, Osimhen squandered multiple golden opportunities, leaving fans and scouts alike with raised eyebrows. His missed chances included a particularly glaring one shortly after the break and a late-game opportunity that could have secured the victory for Nigeria.

Osimhen, armed with a formidable £112 million release clause in his Napoli contract, has been a consistent goal threat in recent seasons. His impressive tally of 39 goals across the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns positions him as an enticing prospect for Arsenal, who have long sought a prolific striker.

Mikel Arteta’s quest for a top-tier center-forward might see Ivan Toney‘s arrival this month, with Osimhen emerging as a potential summer target.

Arsenal scouts are closely monitoring Osimhen’s performances in AFCON, understanding that his ability to break down resilient defenses will be crucial, especially against teams employing low blocks akin to Equatorial Guinea’s tactics.

The ongoing tournament could be the stage where Osimhen further solidifies his standing as a sought-after transfer target for the Gunners.