Atlético Madrid have become the latest club to show interest in Victor Osimhen after reportedly making inquiries about the Galatasaray striker as they prepare for a major summer shake-up in the transfer window, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Spanish club are monitoring the situation of the Nigerian in Turkey following the uncertain future of their striker, Julián Álvarez, who has been linked with a move to Arsenal.
Álvarez was previously reported to be on the radar of Barcelona, but the Catalan club have cooled their interest due to the player’s hefty €100m valuation.
However, there is renewed interest in the Argentine from Arsenal, prompting Atlético to seek a potential replacement in Osimhen, who has been enjoying a prolific spell in Turkey.
The Nigerian joined Galatasaray last summer and has flourished at Rams Park. Across two seasons, he has registered 59 goals and 16 assists in 74 appearances in all competitions.
According to Fichajes, initial talks have already taken place, and the player is reportedly interested in a move to La Liga. However, Galatasaray are demanding at least €100m for his transfer.
Atlético are believed to be willing to pay that amount should Álvarez leave the club.
For the Nigerian, he recently ruled out a move away from Galatasaray after Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle suggested he was preparing for a change of club this summer. According to sources close to the 27-year-old, he will only leave Rams Park if Galatasaray decide to part ways with him.
Osimhen has also attracted interest from several top European clubs, including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea and Manchester United.
If Osimhen makes the move to Atlético, he would team up with his Super Eagles teammate, Ademola Lookman, who joined the club in January.
In the just-concluded season, Osimhen faced Atlético in the Champions League. The match was played on January 21 in Istanbul, and the clash ended in a draw, with Osimhen speaking glowingly about Atlético coach Diego Simeone afterward.
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