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Owen Hargreaves is perplexed by Arsenal’s decision not to sign Victor Osimhen during the January transfer window, which could have resolved their issue of lacking a natural goalscorer.
Former Manchester United and Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves has expressed his bewilderment at Arsenal’s failure to secure the signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, in the January transfer window.
Arsenal’s struggles to find a decisive edge were once again evident at Old Trafford on Sunday, as Mikel Arteta’s squad managed only a 1-1 draw against Manchester United.
Although Declan Rice equalized Bruno Fernandes’ free-kick, the Gunners were likely fortunate to walk away with a point, thanks to David Raya’s outstanding last-minute save which denied Fernandes another goal in injury time.
The January transfer window was a chance to bolster their attacking options, yet they failed to make a move for one of Europe’s most prolific strikers, Victor Osimhen. This decision has left former England international Owen Hargreaves baffled and questioning the club’s strategy.
Arsenal’s lack of a natural goalscorer has been a glaring issue throughout the season. Injuries to key attackers have further compounded their problems, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with limited options up front. Despite these challenges, the Gunners did not pursue Osimhen, who has been in exceptional form during his loan spell at Galatasaray, scoring 22 goals and providing five assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.
Hargreaves, speaking on Premier League Productions, expressed his confusion over Arsenal’s reluctance to bid for Osimhen. He highlighted the Nigerian striker’s impressive goal-scoring record and his potential to provide the cutting edge that Arsenal desperately needed. ‘If you look at Arsenal, they have a player like Declan Rice in every position apart from up there [in attack] and it’s the most important position. But there are guys out there,’
‘Osimhen is on loan in Turkey. Even if it was for six months like that, it gives you a window and an audition to see if it fits.
‘You look at the business Aston Villa did in January – Marcus Rashford, Asensio, Disasi – crazy amount of business.
‘If you don’t ask, you don’t get, and I think Arsenal are this close to anything you want, but you need someone up there to take the load of others. I really think they just need to push the boat out in the summer and get someone.’ Arsenal’s only notable bid for a striker, Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, was rebuffed in the final week of the window.
Osimhen’s potential move to Arsenal could have been a game-changer for the North London club. The 26-year-old striker has been on the radar of several top European clubs, including Manchester United and Chelsea, and his performances have only increased his value in the transfer market.
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