Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen could be handed Arsenal’s famous No. 9 shirt if the Premier League champions succeed in bringing him to the Emirates this summer.
Osimhen’s future has become a major talking point after Arsenal and Galatasaray reportedly discussed the Nigerian striker during negotiations involving Gabriel Martinelli and Ethan Nwaneri.
Sky Sports reported that Osimhen’s availability came up as Galatasaray explored possible deals for the Arsenal duo, although no agreement has been reached for the striker.
The development has opened the possibility of Osimhen making a sensational move to England as Mikel Arteta considers further strengthening his attack ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Arsenal already have Viktor Gyokeres among their striking options, but reports suggest the club remain interested in adding another elite goalscorer to Arteta’s squad.
One interesting detail surrounding any potential Osimhen move is the shirt number that could be waiting for him in North London.
Gabriel Jesus currently occupies Arsenal’s No. 9 jersey, according to the club’s official squad listing.
However, the Brazilian’s future at the Emirates is uncertain amid strong links with a return to Serie A.
Napoli have been pursuing Jesus, with reports in Italy and England suggesting negotiations over a transfer have intensified in recent days.
Should Jesus complete a departure, Arsenal’s No. 9 jersey would become available.
Why Arsenal’s No. 9 could suit Osimhen
Osimhen currently wears No. 45 for Galatasaray, a number that has become closely associated with him during his time in Turkey. Galatasaray’s official squad page continues to list the Nigerian as the club’s No. 45.
But the 27-year-old is also accustomed to carrying the traditional No. 9 associated with a leading centre-forward when representing Nigeria.
That could make the jersey an obvious option if he eventually joins Arsenal and Jesus leaves.
It would also come with considerable expectations.
Arsenal have spent heavily in recent transfer windows as Arteta continues building a squad capable of competing at the highest level, and the addition of Osimhen would give the Gunners another proven central striker.
The Nigerian has established himself among Europe’s leading forwards following successful spells with Lille, Napoli and Galatasaray.
Any Arsenal deal, however, remains far from straightforward.
Galatasaray are reluctant to lose one of their biggest stars, while Osimhen has also attracted attention from elsewhere.
Reports on Tuesday indicated that Arsenal remain interested but that the Turkish champions are currently unwilling to sell him.
Galatasaray have simultaneously pursued Arsenal players, particularly Martinelli, for whom they reportedly submitted an offer worth around €45 million.
Martinelli, however, has reportedly indicated that he does not want to move to Turkey, potentially complicating negotiations between the clubs.
Nwaneri has also featured in discussions surrounding Galatasaray’s interest, making the relationship between the two clubs one to watch before the transfer window closes.
For now, Osimhen remains a Galatasaray player and Arsenal have made no official announcement about a move.
But if negotiations eventually produce one of the summer’s biggest transfers — and Jesus departs — the No. 9 shirt could be waiting for Nigeria’s star striker at the Emirates.
