Arsenal make new move for Victor Osimhen to spark Chelsea transfer battle

Arsenal have re-entered the race to sign Victor Osimhen from Napoli before the summer transfer window closes, according to reports in Italy.

Osimhen’s club future has been a saga that has been drawn out across the summer. Having asked to leave Naples, Paris Saint-Germain led the race to sign the Nigeria international only to end talks last month, unwilling to meet Napoli’s asking price.

Injury to Goncalo Ramos at the weekend sparked brief suggestions they could return for the striker but the French champions have decided against pursuing a deal at this stage.

Chelsea have been the front runners since then with Enzo Maresca supporting the club’s decision to sign the 25-year-old to lead their new-look attack that now includes Pedro Neto and Joao Felix.

Talks have taken place between the two clubs with Napoli eager to sign Blues outcast Romelu Lukaku to replace Osimhen.

Chelsea have been holding out for £36m for the Belgium international with any deal for Osimhen separate to the one for Lukaku.

While Chelsea are eager to sign the Napoli star, reports in Italy suggest the Blues could now face renewed competition from Arsenal.

Corriere dello Sport claim the Gunners have rejoined the race to sign Osimhen with Mikel Arteta still eager to bring in another centre forward to bolster their Premier League title challenge.

Napoli began the summer demanding any interested clubs must pay Osimhen’s €130million (£110m) release clause. That stance has softened with the Serie A giants now hoping to collect €110m (£85m) for their prized asset.

The report suggests Arsenal are capable of meeting that number.

Kai Havertz has started the new Premier League season as Arteta’s preferred option up top – scoring against Wolves on Saturday – with Gabriel Jesus struggling for goals last campaign.

The Gunners have made just one major signing so far this summer in Riccardo Calafiori but are believed to be closing in on a deal to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad.

The north London side could raise further funds through the sale of Eddie Nketiah, who has agreed personal terms with Nottingham Forest ahead of a £30m move.