Victor Osimhen is set to remain at Galatasaray this summer despite reported interest from Arsenal and Barcelona, a source close to the Nigeria forward has told Footy-Africa.
The 27-year-old has emerged as a potential target for Barcelona in recent weeks as the Catalan club continue to face difficulties in their pursuit of Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez.
Arsenal have also been linked with Osimhen, with reports suggesting the Premier League champions have held discussions with Galatasaray over the forward.
However, Footy-Africa understands that Osimhen is not planning to leave Istanbul this summer.
A reliable source close to the player said Osimhen is happy at Galatasaray and that the club are equally satisfied with his contribution.
“He is happy at Galatasaray and the club is happy with him. He is an integral part of the project. Galatasaray don’t consider Osimhen sellable,” the source told Footy-Africa.
The source added that Osimhen will remain at Galatasaray unless there is a major change in the situation before the transfer window closes.
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Barcelona consider Osimhen
Osimhen’s name has become more prominent in Barcelona’s transfer plans after their difficulties in trying to sign Alvarez from Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta recently confirmed the club’s interest in Alvarez, but Atletico have taken a firm position over the Argentina international’s future.
That has encouraged speculation that Barcelona could turn their attention to other attacking options, with Osimhen emerging as one of the names being discussed.
The Nigerian’s record makes him an obvious candidate. Since joining Galatasaray, Osimhen has established himself as one of the most prolific strikers in European football. But interest from Barcelona does not necessarily mean a move is close.
Osimhen signed a permanent contract with Galatasaray in July 2025 after spending the previous season on loan at the club. The Turkish side paid Napoli €75m for the striker and handed him a contract until 2029.
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Osimhen’s numbers at Galatasaray
Osimhen made an immediate impact during his first season in Turkey.
In the 2024-25 campaign, he scored 37 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions, including 26 goals in the Süper Lig, five in the Turkish Cup and six in the Europa League. He also provided eight assists.
His 37 goals made him the highest-scoring foreign player in a single season in Turkish football, surpassing Mario Jardel’s previous record of 34 goals.
He followed that with 22 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions during the 2025-26 season, while providing eight assists.
He scored 16 league goals during that campaign and added seven in the Champions League, helping Galatasaray retain the Turkish league title.
Osimhen has also started the current season strongly. After three Süper Lig matches in 2026-27, he has scored five goals and provided two assists. He scored twice in the opening-day draw against Çorum FK, scored another two and provided an assist in the win over Erzurumspor, before scoring and assisting in the victory against Göztepe.
That means Osimhen has scored 64 goals in 77 appearances for Galatasaray since joining the club, with 18 assists across those appearances.
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Galatasaray happy with Osimhen
His importance to Galatasaray has grown considerably since his arrival.
The striker has become the focal point of the team’s attack and one of the club’s most recognisable players.
His relationship with the supporters has also developed strongly, while his performances have made him one of the key figures in Galatasaray’s recent success.
That makes the club’s position understandable. Galatasaray invested €75m to sign Osimhen permanently from Napoli and secured him on a long-term contract. They are therefore under no obvious pressure to sell.
Osimhen’s current deal runs until 2029, giving Galatasaray considerable control over his future.
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Interest from across Europe
The Nigeria international has attracted interest from several major European leagues since establishing himself at Galatasaray.
Manchester United, Chelsea Liverpool and Tottenham have been linked with the Nigerian in the past, while Paris St Germain, and Bayer Munich have previously monitored his situation.
Arsenal have been among the clubs linked with a move, while Barcelona have now entered the conversation as they assess alternatives in attack.
But despite the growing speculation, Footy-Africa understands that Osimhen remains committed to Galatasaray for the current campaign. His latest performances have only strengthened his importance to the Turkish champions.
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Arsenal and Barcelona face a difficult task
For Arsenal and Barcelona, Osimhen’s availability could therefore be the biggest issue. Both clubs may admire the striker’s qualities, but Galatasaray have little reason to actively push him towards the exit.
The Turkish club have a long-term contract with the player, have invested heavily in him and remain satisfied with his performances.
More importantly, Osimhen himself is understood to be happy in Istanbul. Unless that changes, or a significant offer arrives that changes Galatasaray’s position, the expectation is that the striker will remain with the Turkish champions.
For now, despite the interest from England and Spain, Osimhen’s immediate future remains at Galatasaray.
And with five goals already in the opening three league games of the new season, the Nigeria striker appears focused on another campaign in Istanbul rather than a late summer move to either Arsenal or Barcelona.
