Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen but have not made an official approach for the Nigeria international, according to reports in Turkey and England.
The Premier League club are understood to be considering the 27-year-old as they look to strengthen their attacking options ahead of the new season.
Tottenham manager Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly made attacking reinforcements a priority, with speculation increasing after he suggested the club were working on a mystery “bomba” signing. His comments have prompted speculation that Osimhen could be the player at the centre of Tottenham’s plans.
However, there has been no formal bid or direct contact between Tottenham and Galatasaray at this stage.
Osimhen has nevertheless emerged as a potential target because of his performances since moving to Turkey. His form for Galatasaray in domestic and European competition has ensured that he remains one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.
The financial demands involved in any transfer are likely to be the biggest challenge for Tottenham.
Galatasaray are reportedly unwilling to entertain offers below €130m, while some reports have put the value of their captain as high as €150m. A transfer at that level would rank among the most expensive deals in Premier League history.
Tottenham would therefore likely have to raise significant funds through player sales before they could seriously consider making an offer for Osimhen.
They would also face competition from a number of major European clubs.
Manchester United continue to regard Osimhen as a preferred long-term option for the centre-forward position as they look for an established goalscorer. Chelsea, who have admired the striker for some time, are also maintaining their interest.
Atlético Madrid have also been linked with the Nigerian as they assess options for strengthening Diego Simeone’s attack.
Despite the growing speculation surrounding his future, Osimhen appears settled at Galatasaray after helping the club enjoy another successful campaign.
The striker completed a permanent €75m move to the Turkish champions and has subsequently become one of the central figures at the club.
Galatasaray are preparing to give Osimhen the captain’s armband as well as the club’s famous number nine shirt. The decisions underline the importance the Turkish champions place on the striker and their belief that he can play a leading role in their long-term plans.
His performances during the season have strengthened that position.
Osimhen helped Galatasaray secure the league title and ended the campaign as the club’s leading scorer in the Süper Lig. He also spearheaded their attack in the UEFA Champions League.
His position away from the pitch is also understood to be comfortable. Osimhen is one of Galatasaray’s highest-paid players and has spoken positively about his life in Istanbul.
But the striker’s satisfaction in Turkey has not removed his desire to play in England.
Osimhen has consistently admired the Premier League and regards playing there as one of the major ambitions of his career. Those close to him believe he remains keen to experience English football, which is widely regarded as the world’s toughest domestic league.
His representatives are therefore understood to be keeping an eye on opportunities at leading English clubs.
For Tottenham, however, any potential move would depend on whether they can meet Galatasaray’s substantial financial demands and convince the Turkish club to part with a player they have made central to their project.
With no formal approach yet made, Osimhen remains a Galatasaray player, while Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea continue to feature among the clubs linked with the Nigeria striker.
