Arsenal are preparing a swap deal that would see Takehiro Tomiyasu and Emile Smith Rowe join Napoli in exchange for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen, according to reports.
The Gunners are keen to bolster their attacking options, and the Nigerian international is said to be at the forefront of their transfer shortlist. However, Napoli have slapped a staggering £110 million price tag on the 25-year-old, a figure that could prove prohibitive for Arsenal. To reduce the hefty fee, the North London club is exploring the possibility of including two of their players in the deal.
According to reports from Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport, Napoli are interested in acquiring the services of Arsenal duo Tomiyasu and Smith Rowe. This potential swap deal could pave the way for Edu, Arsenal’s sporting director, to bring down the astronomical price tag for Osimhen.
Mikel Arteta’s side is desperate to add firepower to their frontline, and Osimhen, who has been in scintillating form for Napoli, fits the bill perfectly. The Nigerian striker has attracted interest from various clubs across Europe, including Paris Saint-Germain and Saudi Arabian outfits, but his preference is reportedly to ply his trade in the Premier League.
While Napoli are adamant about receiving Osimhen’s full £110 million release clause, no offers have yet met their valuation. However, the Italian club’s interest in Tomiyasu and Smith Rowe could provide Arsenal with a crucial bargaining chip in negotiations.
Versatile defender Tomiyasu recently penned a new contract at the Emirates in March, but with the likes of Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Jakub Kiwior all vying for full-back spots, his departure may not be as detrimental as it would have been a few months ago.
As for Smith Rowe, Arsenal are reportedly willing to listen to offers for the 23-year-old, with Fulham said to be keen on securing his services this summer. The young Englishman made just three league starts last season and could make the short trip to Craven Cottage if Arsenal’s valuation, believed to be around £25 million, is met.
While Arteta would undoubtedly be reluctant to part ways with either Tomiyasu or Smith Rowe, the opportunity to secure the services of a prolific striker like Osimhen at a reduced price is one that Arsenal cannot afford to turn down. Napoli owner Aurelio de Laurentiis has already acknowledged that Osimhen’s departure is inevitable, stating in January: “We knew (Osimhen would leave Napoli this summer) that since last summer… but we knew perfectly well that he would go Real Madrid, to PSG or to an English team.”
