Arsenal Lay Out Conditions for Victor Osimhen as Andrea Berta Holds Talks Over £120m-Rated Star

August 22, 2026

Arsenal are pursuing a marquee striker deal in the closing days of the summer transfer window. Reports indicate the Gunners have established clear conditions to sign Victor Osimhen, while Sporting Director Andrea Berta and the club's hierarchy have made direct contact regarding Atletico Madrid striker Julián Álvarez.

Mikel Arteta's side kicked off their Premier League title defense with a 3-0 victory against Coventry City, but Arsenal remain active in exploring elite forward options before the deadline.

Victor Osimhen: Arsenal Set Strict Salary Demands

Arsenal Lay Out Conditions for Victor Osimhen

Arsenal retain strong interest in Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. However, reports from French outlet Foot Mercato reveal that the Gunners have informed the Nigerian international that he must accept a drastic salary reduction to make a North London move possible.

The Wage Stumbling Block: Osimhen earns over €20 million net per year in Turkey (~£320,000 per week after tax). Due to UK tax laws, matching this salary would cost Arsenal around £640,000 per week gross — a package the Gunners refuse to offer.

Ball in Osimhen's Court: Arsenal have no intention of breaking their wage structure. The decision rests with Osimhen on whether to lower his financial demands to secure a move to the Premier League.

Julián Álvarez: Direct Contact Made for £120m-Rated Forward

Alongside Osimhen, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed Arsenal held exploratory talks over Atletico Madrid's Julián Álvarez.

London Meeting: Direct discussions took place in London with Atletico Madrid director Mateu Alemany to explore the conditions of a potential deal for the £120m-rated striker.

Complications: Atletico Madrid consider Álvarez's price tag extremely high, and the Argentine forward has maintained a preference for a move to Barcelona if he leaves Spain. Despite the hurdles, Arsenal remain on standby.

Summary: Arsenal Top Striker Targets

Target Player	Current Club	Valued Fee / Status	Key Transfer Obstacle
Victor Osimhen 🇳🇬	Galatasaray	Negotiation / High Interest	Requires significant wage reduction from current €20m net salary.
Julián Álvarez 🇦🇷	Atletico Madrid