Arteta wasting no time but Newcastle rival Arsenal for £58m striker target

Arsenal and Newcastle United have reportedly turned their attention to Napoli star Victor Osimhen as the Premier League duo target a striker this month.

Both clubs are hoping to bolster their attacking ranks during the January transfer window. The Gunners had made no secret of their desire to land Fiorentina ace Dusan Vlahovic. However, the Serbia international seemingly only has eyes for Juventus and has rejected the chance to move to the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta has issues over Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah. And the Spanish tactician has urged technical director Edu to find him a forward before the window closes.

The north Londoners have been linked with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Alexander Isak of Real Sociedad and Real Madrid’s Luka Jovic. And, on Tuesday, Spanish newspaper AS claimed they were keen on Espanyol striker Raul de Tomas.

But Gazzetta dello Sport, via Football Italia, suggest they are now targeting 23-year-old Osimhen. The Nigeria international has bagged five goals from 13 Serie A appearances this term.

He scored 10 in 2020-2021 and 13 the previous season when playing for French club Lille. The Lagos-born star has an enviable strike rate at international level, with 10 goals from 18 outings.

However, he was robbed of the chance to play at the Africa Cup of Nations after a positive Covid test. His omission has proved controversial.

The Super Eagles feel he was prevented for playing by his club over concerns about a facial injury suffered last year. The former Wolfsburg ace had been in red-hot form for his nation, with five goals from eight appearances in 2021.

But he has had to watch events in Cameroon from afar. Osimhen has been priced at around £58m and it is not