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Victor Osimhen could replicate Nwankwo Kanu's heyday with the Gunners if Arsenal are successful in their bid to land the Superstar
Victor Osimhen has become one of the most sought-after strikers in European football, attracting interest from major clubs such as Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
Napoli, his current club, are demanding a hefty €120 million release clause but seem inclined towards a deal with Chelsea, which could involve Romelu Lukaku moving in the opposite direction.
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However, for Arsenal, signing Osimhen would mean more than just acquiring a top striker as the Gunners could continue the legacy of another Nigerian star, Nwankwo Kanu.
Kanu, who played for Arsenal from 1999 to 2004, is remembered as a cult hero at the club, and as Arsenal seek to bolster their attack, Osimhen presents an opportunity not only to strengthen the squad but also to rekindle a connection with a past icon.
Here are three compelling reasons why Arsenal should prioritise signing Osimhen to continue Kanu's legacy at the club.
Osimhen will become Arsenal’s best option up top
The most pertinent reason why Osimhen’s move to Arsenal makes sense is because of the Gunners’ dire need of a recognised centre-forward.
Kai Havertz was forced to fill in as a false nine during his maiden season with the Gunners with varying results, while Brazilan star Gabriel Jesus has flattered to deceive up front when he has been fit enough to get a run of games in the side.
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The Gunners could upgrade on both options by signing Osimhen, who is a proven goalscorer at any level and whose exploits in front of goal has already helped one club break their long spell of league title barrenness.
Osimhen scored 31 goals in 39 games for Napoli in his best season at the club, with the Nigerian leading the Partenopei to Scudetto glory for the first time since Diego Maradona did so in 1990.
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The Nigerian striker could bring his prolific boots to the Emirates to help the Gunners win the league for the first time since 2004, ending a 21-year wait for a Premier League title.
Osimhen’s Aerial threat fits in with Arsenal’s set up
In recent seasons under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal have been out to prove a point as a team that can be deadly from set pieces.
The Gunners finished the 2023/24 season with the most goals from dead-ball situations of any team in the Premier League, and punished teams from set pieces on no less than 20 occasions.
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Adding Osimhen to Arsenal’s ranks could help them add to their firepower in the air, with the Nigerian a proven aerial threat with an outrageous leap.
Despite the Gunners’ aerial dominance in the 2023/24 season, Osimhen scored more headed league goals than any other Arsenal player, netting five times with his noggin, even more than Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.
In his four seasons with Napoli, Osimhen has scored 23 headed goals, including some phenomenal efforts and has shown that his physicality in duels, positioning, and jump reach have made him one of the best headers of the ball in all of Europe.
Arsenal would be wise to snap up the Nigerian striker as he will certainly be a superb addition that gives the Gunners an unfair advantage over their opponents from set pieces.
Osimhen can continue Kanu’s legacy at Arsenal
Arsenal have already shown their penchant for signing players of African origin in the past, which has endeared them to millions of fans on the continent.
The Gunners have had several African stars grace their stadiums such as Emmanuel Eboue, Lauren Etame Mayer, and have also been blessed with players who were good enough to be crowned African Player of the Year at some point during their careers.
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Togolese striker Emmanuel Adebayor was named CAF Player of the Year in 2008 while with Arsenal, while Gabonese icon Pierre Emerick Aubameyang joined the club after winning the award in 2015.
Still, Nigeria’s Nwankwo Kanu was the only one to be awarded the top individual prize in Africa both before and after joining Arsenal after winning the CAF Player of the Year award in 1996 with Inter and then again in 1999 after joining the Gunners.
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Having already been named African Player of the Year for his exploits with Napoli in 2023, Osimhen can replicate Kanu’s achievements with the Gunners if he joins Arsenal and wins the award again.
Given Kanu’s impressive spell at Arsenal, filled with key moments and important goals, the Gunners will be all too happy to see another talented Nigerian striker come through their gates.
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