Arsenal are ready to rival Chelsea in the race to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli this summer.
The London rivals are set to go head-to-head in a bid to sign the Nigeria international in the summer, as the two clubs look to sign an elite centre-forward.
Chelsea are long-term admirers of the forward, while Nigerian outlet Soccernet claim Arsenal are prepared to launch a club-record bid. The Gunners have lacked a prolific goalscorer this season, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah having managed just nine Premier League goals between them.
Osimhen was the leading scorer in Serie A last season as Napoli were crowned champions of Italy for the first time in 33 years and has scored 67 goals in 119 appearances since arriving from Lille.
The 25-year-old, who is currently competing at the Africa Cup of Nations where the Super Eagles will face South Africa in the semi-finals on Wednesday, has previously expressed his interest in a move to the Premier League.
Last month, Osimhen – who has a reported release of around €130m (£111m) – said he has already made a decision on his future.
“The rumour is going around about me linked with the Premier League,” Osimhen said to CBS Sports.
“When you’re one of the hottest strikers on the globe, you expect this type of thing, and of course, the Premier League is one of the biggest and best leagues in the whole world.
“I’m with Napoli, I signed a new contract. I’m enjoying my time there. I think I’ve already made up my mind, I already know what I want to do in my career.
“Since I’ve started, I’ve been the one making my own decisions and everything is working out well for me. I already know the next step I want to take, so for now I just want to finish the season strong.
“I will [then] go relax somewhere with my daughter, think about my life and then finally come out with a decision that I’ve already made.”
