Smith Expresses Reservations Over Arsenal’s Move for Osimhen
Arsenal legend Alan Smith has urged caution over a potential move for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, admitting that while the Nigerian is a proven goalscorer, the Gunners must ensure they sign the right striker for their system.
Osimhen has been linked with Arsenal throughout the summer transfer window, with speculation suggesting that Mikel Arteta’s side could make a move for the prolific forward.
However, Smith believes Arsenal’s priority should not simply be signing a big-name striker. Instead, the club must determine whether the player is the right fit for the team’s style and ambitions.
Speaking to Gooners News, Smith acknowledged Osimhen’s impressive goalscoring record but suggested that there are still questions surrounding whether a deal would actually materialise.
“He can score goals.”
Smith pointed out that Osimhen’s move from Napoli to Galatasaray had previously appeared to make a Premier League transfer less likely.
The Nigerian striker, however, has continued to prove his quality in Turkey, becoming one of Galatasaray’s most important players.
Despite his reservations about Osimhen specifically, Smith agreed that Arsenal need another quality centre-forward.
“I think Arsenal do need a centre forward; it’s getting the right one.”
That distinction is important. Smith’s comments do not amount to a rejection of Osimhen’s ability; rather, he believes Arsenal need to carefully consider whether the Nigerian is the ideal player for Arteta’s tactical setup.
Osimhen has established himself as one of Europe’s most prolific strikers.
The Super Eagles star has enjoyed a highly productive spell with Galatasaray, becoming the fastest player in the club’s history to reach 50 goals, doing so in 59 matches, according to the report.
His form has continued into the 2026/27 campaign, strengthening the argument from those who believe he could provide Arsenal with the clinical finishing they need.
However, reports on Arsenal’s actual pursuit remain contradictory. One recent report said Arsenal were not currently in ongoing negotiations with Galatasaray, while other reports have continued to link the clubs.
Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has also reportedly insisted that Osimhen will not be sold this summer, making any potential deal even more complicated.
For Arsenal, the situation ultimately comes down to whether Osimhen represents the ideal solution to their centre-forward problem.
His pace, physicality and finishing would give Arteta another attacking dimension, but the financial cost and tactical considerations would need to be weighed carefully.
For now, Osimhen remains a Galatasaray player, while Arsenal continue to assess their options.
Smith’s message is therefore simple: Arsenal need a striker, but they must make sure they sign the right one — not merely the biggest name available.
