Former Arsenal defender William Gallas has called on the club to sign Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen this summer but expressed concerns over Mikel Arteta’s ability to handle the forward’s personality.
Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes have suffered due to an injury crisis that has left them without key attackers. With Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus ruled out for the season and Bukayo Saka absent since November, Arteta has been forced to deploy Mikel Merino as a makeshift striker, with mixed results.
The Gunners are expected to strengthen their forward line in the summer transfer window, with Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko reportedly high on their wishlist. However, Gallas believes Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, would be an ideal target.
“Osimhen would be the man I would try and sign,” Gallas told Prime Casino. “He’s been performing well at Galatasaray, and he’s only there for a season. He’s a good player who can score 20 goals a season or create space for other forwards to score.”
Despite backing Osimhen’s potential, Gallas fears Arteta’s strict management style may not suit the charismatic forward. The former French international pointed out how Arteta previously clashed with high-profile players like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil.
“Maybe Mikel Arteta doesn’t have the personality to manage players like Osimhen or deal with those who have strong personalities,” Gallas added. “Big managers like Klopp, Guardiola, Ancelotti, Mourinho, and even Arsene Wenger knew how to handle such players. You don’t have to argue with them, but you must know how to deal with them.”
Osimhen has been in fine form for Galatasaray this season, and his physical presence and goal-scoring ability could provide Arsenal with the firepower they desperately need. However, whether Arteta is willing to take on such a character remains to be seen.
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