Atlético Madrid have reportedly entered the race for Victor Osimhen, with the Spanish club among the latest sides monitoring the Galatasaray striker ahead of what is expected to be a hectic summer transfer market.
Reports circulating online indicate that the La Liga outfit have already made initial enquiries regarding the Nigerian international as they assess possible attacking reinforcements for next season.
The club’s growing interest in Osimhen is said to be linked to uncertainty surrounding the future of Julián Álvarez, who has recently emerged as a major transfer target for Arsenal.
While Álvarez had also attracted attention from Barcelona in recent months, the Catalan giants are understood to have cooled their interest due to the forward’s hefty €100 million valuation.
With Arsenal continuing to monitor the Argentine striker, Atlético have reportedly begun drawing up contingency plans and identifying potential replacements, placing Osimhen high on their shortlist following his remarkable performances in Turkey.
Since arriving at Galatasaray last summer, the Super Eagles star has enjoyed an outstanding spell at Rams Park, registering an impressive 59 goals and 16 assists in 74 appearances across all competitions over two seasons.
A report by Fichajes claims that preliminary contacts have already been established, while Osimhen is believed to be receptive to the prospect of testing himself in La Liga.
Nevertheless, Galatasaray are reportedly unwilling to entertain offers below €100 million, a valuation Atlético Madrid are said to be ready to match if Álvarez eventually leaves the club.
Despite mounting speculation over his future, Osimhen recently suggested that he is not actively pursuing an exit from Galatasaray.
Individuals close to the 27-year-old striker reportedly maintain that he would only contemplate a departure if the Turkish champions decide to cash in on him.
Although Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle previously hinted that Osimhen could be preparing for a new chapter elsewhere this summer, members of the player’s camp have reportedly disputed that assessment.
In addition to Atlético Madrid, a number of Europe’s elite clubs have also been credited with an interest in the prolific Nigerian forward, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester United.
Should the proposed switch to Atlético eventually be completed, Osimhen would link up with fellow Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman, who joined the Spanish side in January.
Interestingly, both clubs faced each other in the UEFA Champions League earlier this year, sharing the spoils in a draw in Istanbul on January 21.
Following that encounter, Osimhen reportedly spoke glowingly about Atlético manager Diego Simeone, a development that could add further intrigue to a transfer saga that is rapidly gathering momentum ahead of the summer window.
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