Victor Osimhen: Three Reasons Galatasaray Might Need to Sell the Arsenal and Chelsea Target

Victor Osimhen is once again in the spotlight for the summer, with Premier League clubs Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and several other European giants keeping a close eye on his situation, reports Afrik‑Foot.

Galatasaray has publicly declared its intention to retain the Super Eagles striker, turning down reported bids of €120 million and €125 million. The Turkish champions have even suggested making Osimhen the focal point of their long‑term project by offering him the captaincy and the iconic No. 9 shirt after Mauro Icardi is expected to leave.

The Nigerian forward has validated the hype with impressive displays, netting 59 goals in 74 appearances for the club. This season he has scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 22 Süper Lig matches, while adding seven goals and three assists in ten Champions League games.

Despite Galatasaray’s firm stance and a €150 million valuation, several factors indicate that selling Osimhen this summer could ultimately be the wiser choice for the club.

The enormous financial burden of retaining Victor Osimhen

Keeping Victor Osimhen involves a financial commitment unprecedented in Turkish football.

The 27‑year‑old reportedly earns a package of around €21 million per season when salary, loyalty bonuses and image‑rights payments are combined. His annual earnings include a €15 million net salary, a €1 million loyalty payment and roughly €5 million in image‑rights arrangements.

While Galatasaray is one of Turkey’s biggest clubs, its revenue streams cannot match those of Premier League, La Liga or Bundesliga sides. Domestic television income and league prize money remain significantly lower than those in Europe’s top five leagues.

Maintaining such an expensive contract for several years could place enormous pressure on the club’s finances, especially as it continues to invest in Champions League ambitions and squad improvements.

Capitalising while his value is at its peak

Osimhen’s market value has arguably never been higher. Following his remarkable scoring exploits in Turkey and Europe, clubs have already been willing to submit offers exceeding €120 million, placing him among the most valuable strikers in world football.

Football history has repeatedly shown how quickly player values can shift. Injuries, loss of form or changing market conditions can dramatically reduce transfer fees within a single season.

Selling now would secure for Galatasaray the largest ever single income for a Turkish club and one of the largest transfer fees in football history. Waiting another year carries risk; if Osimhen’s market value drops, the club could miss the opportunity to generate a record‑breaking return on its investment.

With Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Atlético Madrid and Barcelona all searching for elite goal‑scorers, demand for Osimhen is currently at its strongest point.

Funding a comprehensive squad rebuild

Beyond the striker position, Galatasaray faces critical decisions across its roster. Several experienced players, including İlkay Gündoğan, Leroy Sané and Mario Lemina, are among the club’s highest earners. Meanwhile, Mauro Icardi’s expected exit means changes are already underway.

Rather than concentrating so much of the club’s financial power in one superstar, Galatasaray could use a massive Osimhen transfer fee to strengthen multiple positions.

A sale worth between €120 million and €150 million would provide funds to recruit three or four younger, high‑quality players while improving squad depth. Such a move could help future‑prove the team for both domestic dominance and Champions League competition.

While Galatasaray would undoubtedly lose one of the world’s most dangerous forwards, the financial flexibility gained from an Osimhen sale could transform the club’s long‑term future.