Arsenal may yet be able to sign Victor Osimhen this season due to unique ‘January break clause’

Arsenal failed to sign a striker during the summer transfer window however, Edu could be given a second chance in January.

Now that the dust has settled from the drama that unfolded on deadline day, Arsenal have the chance to reflect on their work over the summer.

The Gunners completed five arrivals ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, welcoming David Raya permanently, Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori and both Neto and Raheem Sterling on loan.

While there is plenty to celebrate regarding Arsenal’s business this summer, there was one thing missing in the form of a striker, which Mikel Arteta and Edu could now be tempted to address in January.

Arsenal handed the chance to sign Victor Osimhen in January

Victor Osimhen was linked to Arsenal during the summer, as a possible target to replenish Arteta’s options in attack.

Many called for the Gunners to recruit a reliable number nine ahead of the new season, with Arsenal having limited options to work with in the centre-forward role.

Osimhen had a difficult summer personally, as after not sealing a move to Saudi Arabia, was axed from Napoli’s squad and has now joined Galatasaray on a shock loan deal.

While some Arsenal fans will be looking at the Nigeran’s situation and wondering what could have been, others will have been alerted to the latest development.

Today, The Standard detailed part of Osimhen’s contract at Galatasaray that mentions Arsenal.

In order to sanction his transfer, Galatasaray agreed to some of the striker’s demands, including the possibility of sealing a transfer as a result of a ‘January break clause’.

It’s now come to light that the January release clause can only be triggered by eight clubs, one of which being Arsenal, at the player’s request.

Bizarrely, Galatasaray aren’t one of the clubs despite paying the forwards full salary, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Bayern Munich, PSG and Real Madrid speculated to be on the list.

What is Osimhen’s release clause?

What is crucial for the player now is to make an impression in Istanbul, which could be a critical factor in whether he gets picked up by one of his favoured clubs in January.

The Standard also relayed information about the 25-year-old’s release clause now that his contract at Napoli has been revised as a result of his fallout.

It’s rumoured that Osimhen’s release clause now sits around the €75m (£63.2m) mark, which makes him a far more affordable asset for Arsenal to consider if they wish to revisit their interest.

After deeming it unnecessary to sign a striker in the summer, only time will tell if Edu’s priority shifts by the time the January window swings around.