Arsenal 'move ahead of Manchester United in race for Victor Osimhen'

Arsenal have reportedly moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Napoli forward Victor Osimhen during this summer's transfer window.

The Nigeria international has been in impressive form for his Italian club during the 2021-22 campaign, scoring 17 goals and registering six assists in 29 appearances in all competitions.

Arsenal are expected to be in the market for a couple of new forwards this summer, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left in January, while Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both out of contract next month.

Man United have also been strongly linked with Osimhen, as the Red Devils will lose Edinson Cavani on a free transfer this summer, while the futures of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Cristiano Ronaldo are unclear.

A recent report claimed that the Red Devils were leading the race for the 23-year-old, who still has more than three years left to run on his contract in Naples.

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However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Arsenal have overtaken Man United to move into pole position for the attacker's signature during this summer's transfer window.

The report claims that the Gunners have been tracking Osimhen 'for many months', switching their attention to the Nigerian after missing out on a January deal for Dusan Vlahovic.

The forward is allegedly 'aware' of interest from the Emirates Stadium, but Mikel Arteta's side will likely have to secure a top-four spot in the Premier League table in order to stand a chance of signing him.

Arsenal are currently fourth in the table, two points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur with four games left, as the North London rivals battle to secure a Champions League spot for next term.

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Napoli are believed to be keen to keep hold of Osimhen but would consider offers in the region of £84m for a player that made the move to the Italian giants from Lille in June 2025.

The Nigerian has scored 27 goals and registered nine assists in 59 appearances for his Serie A club in all competitions, following on from the 18 goals and six assists that he managed in 38 games for Lille.

Osimhen scored four times and registered one assist in five Europa League appearances for Napoli this term, while he has struck 13 times and provided five assists in 24 Serie A outings.

Real Madrid have also been credited with an interest in the forward, although Los Blancos are prioritising a move for Kylian Mbappe, who is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain next month.

Arsenal, who have won their last three against Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham United, will take on Leeds United, Tottenham, Newcastle United and Everton in their final four matches of the Premier League season, with a top-four spot in their hands.