Arsenal icon Robert Pires has called on Mikel Arteta to make a decisive move for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, believing the Super Eagles forward could be the key to the club’s Premier League title aspirations.
Pires, a vital member of Arsenal’s Invincibles squad, emphasized the need for a top-tier, clinical striker to help the Gunners reclaim the Premier League title, which they last won in 2004.
Former France international now a pundit
Despite finishing as runners-up to Manchester City in the past two seasons, Arsenal currently sit second in the table, six points behind leaders Liverpool.
While their defense remains one of the league’s best, their attack has been under the microscope, with injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus further highlighting the need for a prolific forward.
Arteta has publicly expressed his intention to strengthen his attacking options, with links to players like Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko.
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However, Pires believes that Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, is the ideal player to elevate Arsenal’s frontline.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail, Pires made it clear that Osimhen should be Arteta’s primary target.
“Victor Osimhen,” Pires stated. “He has a great profile to play for Arsenal, alongside players like Gabriel Martinelli, Martin Ødegaard, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka.
“But I’m not the owner or manager – I’m just an Arsenal fan who will always support them. If we could bring in one player though, it would have to be Osimhen.”
Pires also reflected on the attacking options available to Arsenal during his playing days, comparing them to the current squad.
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He highlighted the difference between his time, when he played alongside world-class forwards like Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, and Nwankwo Kanu, and the present-day team.
“Of course, I respect the decisions of Mikel Arteta and Arsenal,” he said. “But in my time, I played with Henry, Bergkamp, and Kanu, so we had three real strikers. It was easier to score goals back then. But maybe this is just the new football, and we have to adapt to the philosophy.”
Osimhen was heavily linked with a Premier League move last summer, with Chelsea making an aggressive push for his signature.
Osimhen playing at AFCON 2024.
The 26-year-old has continued to impress in Turkey, scoring 12 goals in 15 Super Lig appearances and 16 goals in 20 matches across all competitions.
His form has reignited speculation about his future, with reports suggesting he included a break clause in his loan deal, which could allow him to leave in January if a major European club comes calling.
