Despite a scouting mission, Mikel Arteta has demonstrated why Arsenal may not sign Victor Osimhen
The Napoli striker has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal, but there is one reason why the Gunners may opt not to pursue a high-priced deal.
Arsenal have a long list of forwards on their shopping list ahead of the summer transfer window opening. One of those names is Napoli forward Victor Osimhen, who has caught the eye of the Serie A club so far this season.
Formerly of Lille, the 23-year-old has 15 goals in 25 appearances for the Naples club, 11 of which have come in Serie A. With players like Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah out of contract at the end of the season, Osimhen is thought to be an excellent candidate to shoulder the goal-scoring burden at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners appear to be increasing their interest as well, with CBS Sports reporting that the club is 'extensively scouting' the striker ahead of a possible summer move. However, he is not the only one who Arsenal is keeping an eye on; Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez has also been observed on several occasions.
While it appears that Arsenal and Mikel Arteta are both interested in Osimhen, there may be something that prevents a deal from happening. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Nigerian returned to training late after serving on international duty with his country.
Osimhen's trip away was not particularly fruitful, as his team failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, losing a play-off to Thomas Partey's Ghana. However, it appears that the Napoli player has extended his break - and this is not the first time this has occurred.
According to reports, Osimhen returned from international duty later than the rest of the squad, but whether this is due to the player or logistics in his home country remains to be seen. The consequences, however, are the same regardless of the cause, with the young striker expected to miss this weekend's match against Atalanta.
It goes without saying that if he does join Arsenal, his time-keeping will suffer almost certainly have to improve. According to previous reports, the breakup between Arteta and former forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was caused by a late return from a permitted trip to France.
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