Arsenal are reportedly stepping up their pursuit of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen in the January transfer window, as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his attacking options amidst an injury crisis and underwhelming form from some forwards.

---

Arsenal’s Interest in Osimhen

• Gabriel Jesus Injury
  Arsenal are in need of a prolific striker following Gabriel Jesus' injury. The club is looking for a reliable goal scorer to complement their title ambitions, especially with Liverpool pulling six points ahead at the top of the table.

• Osimhen’s Form
  Currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, Osimhen has been in scintillating form, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists in 18 matches this season. His numbers are a testament to his consistency, with 31 goals in 39 matches during the 2022/23 campaign.

• Contact Made
  Arsenal have reportedly made inquiries about signing the 26-year-old Nigerian striker before the January window closes. However, they face competition from Chelsea and Manchester United, who have also expressed interest.

---

Pundits Back the Move

Former Arsenal winger Perry Groves has urged the Gunners to prioritize signing Osimhen, believing his clinical finishing could make a "massive difference" to the team’s title challenge.

Groves also acknowledged that Arsenal’s initial target, Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, is unlikely to be sold due to Newcastle’s Champions League aspirations. This makes Osimhen an even more appealing option.

"If it means you pay over the odds or take a player on loan, any top-level center-forward could transform this Arsenal side," Groves said.

---

Challenges to the Deal

• Chelsea's Interest
  Chelsea are also in the market for a striker to address their scoring woes and could rival Arsenal for Osimhen’s signature.

• Napoli's Demands
  Napoli and Galatasaray could demand a premium fee for Osimhen, given his form and the growing interest from Premier League clubs.

• Manchester United’s Rejection
  Reports indicate that Manchester United have already had a verbal bid rejected, suggesting that prying Osimhen away will not come cheap.

---

Arsenal’s Title Hopes Depend on January Reinforcements

With Liverpool showing no signs of slowing down, Arsenal must act decisively in the transfer market to stay in contention. If the Gunners can secure Osimhen, they’ll add a world-class striker capable of elevating their attack to the next level. However, with Chelsea and Manchester United also circling, Arsenal may need to move quickly and be prepared to meet the high asking price.