The Gunners are heavily linked to Victor Osimhen, wanting to get his signature next campaign. Meanwhile, they would have signed him in some years ago.
According to The Mirror, Arsenal unfortunately missed out on signing the 24-year-old Nigerian in 2016.
And they also failed to get his signature on a free transfer in January 2017. It was when he joined Wolfsburg, starting his professional career.
Of course, Victor is currently making waves at Napoli, since he arrived in Serie A. Imagine his finishing prowess under Mikel Arteta.
However, the North London club are now among European teams, keeping tabs on the Naples central forward.
In 2015, Victor was very impressive in the U-17 FIFA World Cup. As a result, the Gunners were heavily interested in him.
Victor Osimhen stats for Nigeria in U-17 FIFA World Cup
10 goals
2 assists
Golden boot winner
Silver ball winner
CAF Youth Player of the Year
He single-handedly helped the team’s performance in that competition. He scored a hat-trick against Australia and a brace against Chile.
Apparently, Arsène Wenger had enough reasons to sign Osimhen in 2016 or 2017. However, his side faced competition from Bundesliga side, Wolfsburg back then.
How did Arsenal miss out on getting Victor Osimhen’s signature, what happened?
As a result of the Gunners’ sluggishness, the 24-year-old penned a pre-contract with Wolfsburg in January 2016.
His move to the Bundesliga was completed in January 2017. However, Arsenal failed to act fast, allowing the German side to beat them.
Of course, Arsène Wenger would have signed some brilliant and talented players for the Gunners.
He missed out on signing the former Chelsea magnifico, Eden Hazard, and even Lionel Messi.
At the same time, the North London club missed out on getting Osimhen’s signature, because they didn’t act fast.
Victor confirmed that he was invited to the Emirates in February 2016, he told the BBC,
“It’s true that a big team like Arsenal wanted me and I feel honoured to be invited over.”
“But personally I feel Wolfsburg is a ladder for me to reach my professional goals”
“Yes Arsenal is a good team for young players but Wolfsburg is the best club for me.”
This is the best place for me to learn and develop because my heart is here with Wolfsburg.”
The club’s plan for my career is very encouraging and I believe with God on my side I can grow to become one of the best players in the world.”
Unfortunately, Arsenal are now chasing the player and wants to sign him. Along with the likes of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.
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Victor Osimhen stats by clubs
Wolfsburg
16 games
0 goals
0 assists
RSC Charleroi
36 games
20 goals
4 assists
24 goal contributions
Lille
38 matches
18 goals
6 assists
24 goal contributions
Napoli
90 appearances
50 goals
14 assists
64 goal contributions
Obviously, the 24-year-old Nigerian striker failed woefully at Wolfsburg. He joined them as a kid, suffered injuries for two good years.
So, the Bundesliga side were forced to sell him to RSC Charleroi. But his career started in Ligue 1 with Lille.
Arsenal Football Club are known for managing young players, having seen the likes of Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah.
With that being said, Victor would have shone at the Emirates, if the Gunners hadn’t missed out on getting his signature.
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