Atletico Madrid Join Race for Osimhen as Summer Transfer Battle Heats Up

(Victor Osimhen. Photo by Punch Mews)

 

Atlético Madrid have joined the growing list of clubs keeping tabs on Victor Osimhen, with reports indicating that the Spanish side have made preliminary enquiries about the Galatasaray striker as they gear up for a busy summer transfer window, according to reports making the rounds online.

The Madrid club’s interest in Osimhen is largely driven by uncertainty surrounding their current striker Julián Álvarez, who has emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal.

Álvarez had previously been linked with Barcelona, but the Catalan club stepped back from their pursuit due to his steep €100 million price tag.

Arsenal’s renewed interest in the Argentine has prompted Atlético to begin identifying potential replacements, with Osimhen emerging as a leading option given his outstanding form in Turkey.

The Nigerian forward joined Galatasaray last summer and has been in exceptional form at Rams Park, racking up 59 goals and 16 assists across 74 appearances in all competitions over two seasons.

According to Fichajes, initial discussions have already taken place and Osimhen is said to be open to a move to La Liga.

However, Galatasaray are holding firm on a minimum asking price of €100 million a fee Atlético are reportedly prepared to meet should Álvarez depart.

Despite the swirling transfer speculation, Osimhen recently indicated that he is not actively seeking a move away from Galatasaray.

Sources close to the 27-year-old suggest he will only consider leaving if the Turkish club decide to sell him.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle had earlier hinted that the striker was preparing for a change of scenery this summer, but those close to Osimhen have pushed back on that characterisation.

Beyond Atlético, the Nigerian has also attracted interest from several other top European clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Manchester United.

Should a move to Atlético materialise, Osimhen would be reunited with his Super Eagles teammate Ademola Lookman, who signed for the club in January.

Interestingly, the two sides met in the Champions League earlier this year, with the match ending in a draw in Istanbul on January 21.

Following that encounter, Osimhen was notably complimentary about Atlético coach Diego Simeone a detail that may add a personal dimension to what could yet become a significant summer transfer story.