Arsenal could have signed Victor Osimhen aged 18 after transfer talks with Arsene Wenger but Napoli star rejected him
MANCHESTER UNITED target Victor Osimhen has revealed he could have joined Arsenal at the age of 18.
The Nigerian striker, 24, has established himself as one of the best forwards in Europe over recent seasons.
He has bagged 53 goals in 91 games for Napoli, including 25 in 29 games this term.
His sensational scoring form is inspiring Luciano Spalletti’s side to their first Serie A title in 33 years.
They hold a remarkable 19-point lead at the top of the table, with their crowning moment only a matter of time.
But Osimhen‘s career could have gone down a completely different path before he joined Wolfsburg in 2017.
He has now confirmed he held talks with then Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger about joining the club, only to go elsewhere.
Speaking to CentreGoals, he said: “I spoke with Arsene Wenger and he wanted me to come to Arsenal but it was not the best option at the time.”
Osimhen ended up joining Bundesliga side Wolfsburg where he failed to score in 16 appearances.
A loan spell with Belgian club Royal Charleroi saw him properly kickstart life in Europe with 20 goals in 36 games.
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That secured him a move to Lille where he netted 18 times in his only campaign with the Ligue 1 outfit.
Napoli then came calling with an offer of up to £70million in add-ons.
And his stunning three seasons with the Italian side could see them turn a profit for him this summer.
He is being heavily linked with a move to Man Utd or Chelsea for around £100m.
But the Red Devils are also eyeing up another target in Tottenham talisman Harry Kane.