Arsenal ‘offered’ Victor Osimhen swap deal as transfer target explains stance

The football season is now officially over following Saturday night’s UEFA Champions League final between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.

Los Blancos returned to the top of European football with a hard-fought 2-0 win at Wembley Stadium. Should they sign Kylian Mbappe this summer, who’s going to stop them from being the best once again? Well, if Arsenal get their transfer business right then they could be one of their biggest threats.

The Gunners missed out on the Premier League title on the final day of the season despite being near-perfect throughout the run-in. Mikel Arteta’s men will now have to regroup and go again with a number of positions looking to be strengthened.

In an ideal world a new striker will be signed followed by a midfielder and top competition for Bukayo Saka out wide. However, as they have fallen victim to in recent years, transfers don’t always go to plan.

As the rumour mill continues to grind out speculation linking the Gunners with a list of players, football.london takes a look at the latest transfer news and provides you with our expert view on it.

Osimhen swap deal

Reports in Italy over the weekend have linked Arsenal with a shock swap deal that could see Victor Osimhen move to the Emirates Stadium with Emile Smith Rowe moving to Serie A.

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According to Corriere dello Sport, Napoli are keeping tabs on the playmaker’s situation in north London and could purchase him as part of their plan to revitalise their squad after finishing 10th in the Serie A table.

The report does claim that Napoli could look to include Osimhen to bring Smith Rowe to the club. It would see Arsenal pay a lump sum of cash to sign the striker.

football.london says: “Now this is an interesting story and one Arsenal fans should be happy with. Smith Rowe has barely featured when fit in the last 12 months and he’s been one of the players tipped to depart.

“A new striker is exactly what they are missing and Osimhen is one of the best around. He’s been linked with a move away from Naples in the build-up to the summer but rumours have gone quiet.

“Arsenal would have to pay a premium as part of the swap deal but the inclusion of Smith Rowe could lower the finances involved. I don’t think they should turn their nose up to that.”

Fofana race hots up

Arsenal have been handed a boost in their hopes of signing Monaco defensive midfielder Youssouf Fofana after he admitted he has spoken to his club about departing.

Fofana, who is part of France’s Euro 2024 squad, is wanted by the likes of Man United, PSG, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid. His contract expires at Monaco next year so there’s a big possibility he could depart for as little as £20m.

“I have spoken about it with the hierarchy, it isn’t a secret,’ Fofana told a press conference. “We had exchanges and they agreed to accompany me in this new stage.

“If [a move] doesn’t happen, I still have a year left and I will be happy to stay. We were in agreement that we would accompany each other in this process in which everyone should be a winner, be it me or the club.”

football.london says: “Fofana is not a name I would have expected to be linked with the Gunners. However, his performances for Monaco and France have gone under the radar and you can see why he’s being linked with a move.

“This early in the summer, it’s encouraging for Arsenal that the player has revealed he has already discussed leaving with the club. His participation in the Euros does delay the prospect of a move, though.

“As well as being a good defensive anchor, Fofana’s capability of playing slightly further up the field means he could be a valuable asset for Arteta.”