Arsenal latest: Victor Osimhen transfer twist as Gunners pivot to new target

Arsenal are still in the market for new signings before the summer transfer window closes

With the summer transfer window slamming shut on September 1, Arsenal have seemingly ramped up their pursuit of players across two priority positions.

The Gunners have remained disciplined throughout the window, refusing to be drawn into inflated deals for a number of their top targets. That calculated approach has meant business has been somewhat slow — the protracted pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes being a prime example, with the deal only finalised last week despite months of reported interest.

The downside of that patience has also been felt, however, with both Morgan Rogers and Jeremy Monga ultimately slipping through the net as other clubs moved faster to secure their signatures. Yet, sporting director Andrea Berta has still managed to bolster Mikel Arteta's options heading into the 2026/27 season.

The arrivals of Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier have added quality and cover throughout the squad, strengthening Arsenal's ability to withstand the inevitable injury setbacks that come with a congested campaign.

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Victor Osimhen transfer twist

Having missed out on Rogers, Vinicius Junior and seemingly Julian Alvarez, Victor Osimhen is reportedly the next high-profile forward Arsenal are chasing. Arteta has held a long-term interest in the Nigerian goal machine, who has also been linked with north London rivals Spurs.

The Telegraph reports that Berta recently held talks with Galatasaray over the Turkish club's pursuit of Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri. Galatasaray have already had a £38.4million bid for Martinelli knocked back but the Gunners are open to letting the Brazilian leave, potentially in a swap deal.

During those same negotiations, the prospect of Osimhen potentially heading in the opposite direction to Arsenal was also mentioned. It remains uncertain whether the subject was raised by Berta or whether the striker was effectively made available to the Premier League champions.

However, Martinelli's camp have informed Arsenal that he has no interest in joining Galatasaray, per The Athletic. That rules out his involvement in a potential player-plus-cash swap deal for Osimhen in the latest twist to the club's summer business.

Jarell Quansah targeted

Arsenal have registered an interest in signing Jarell Quansah from Bayer Leverkusen. Various reports suggest negotiations are at an exploratory stage for the 23-year-old England international.

Quansah fits the mould of player Arsenal are targeting, given his ability to operate at both centre-back and right-back. The Gunners will be without William Saliba for the opening months of the campaign, while right-back Jurrien Timber is also sidelined through injury, leaving Arteta stretched defensively and scouting players capable of filling both roles to a high standard.

BBC Sport reports that Liverpool still have the option to match any bid for Quansah as part of the agreement that saw him depart Anfield for the Bundesliga outfit last summer for an initial £30m. However, the report states Liverpool currently have no intention of exercising that clause. The Guardian, meanwhile, reports that Leverkusen will hold out for a minimum of £43m.

This comes amid Arsenal's pursuit of Quansah's England colleague Ezri Konsa. Aston Villa's £60m asking price for Konsa is far beyond what Arsenal are prepared to spend, which has potentially prompted them to explore Quansah as an alternative option.