As Arsenal grapples with a goal-scoring crisis that has persisted for the last six weeks, former Gunners defender Mikael Silvestre has weighed in on the ongoing transfer speculation surrounding the North London club. Amidst the strong links with Brentford’s Ivan Toney, Silvestre has voiced his opinion, suggesting that Victor Osimhen, a £43 million-rated striker from Napoli, would be a superior signing for Arsenal in their quest to bolster their attacking options.
The Gunners’ recent offensive struggles have highlighted the urgent need for a new number nine, and Ivan Toney’s name has been circulating prominently in transfer discussions. However, in an exclusive interview with GGRecon, Silvestre made a compelling case for Victor Osimhen as a more complete and suitable striker for Arsenal’s needs.
Silvestre expressed his belief in Osimhen’s overall abilities, stating, “Yes, I think he would be. In my eyes, Victor’s a more complete striker than Ivan Toney. I believe his style would be better suited to Arsenal too.” Silvestre’s endorsement of Osimhen as a “more complete” forward suggests that the Nigerian international possesses a broader skill set that could benefit Arsenal in various facets of the game.
Drawing parallels with Osimhen’s adaptation to Napoli’s system, Silvestre pointed out, “As soon as Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille, he needed six months to adapt, and then after that, he became a real threat and scored a lot of goals.” This reference to Osimhen’s successful integration into Serie A highlights the striker’s adaptability and potential to make an immediate impact, even in a different league.
Silvestre emphasized Osimhen’s pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph last season, underlining the Nigerian’s ability to be a game-changer and contribute significantly to a title-winning campaign. “He was key to Napoli winning the Serie A title last season, and for the reasons I’ve provided, I would prefer Arsenal to sign Osimhen over Ivan Toney,” Silvestre asserted.
While Ivan Toney has garnered attention for his prolific goal-scoring exploits with Brentford, Silvestre’s endorsement of Osimhen suggests a more nuanced approach to evaluating a striker’s worth. Osimhen, known for his athleticism, clinical finishing, and ability to lead the line, could potentially offer a more comprehensive solution to Arsenal’s attacking woes.
The price tag of £43 million for Osimhen may seem steep, but Silvestre’s argument hinges on the belief that the Nigerian striker’s qualities and adaptability make him a worthwhile investment for Arsenal. As the Gunners navigate the complexities of the January transfer market, securing a striker who can have an immediate impact becomes paramount, and Silvestre’s preference for Osimhen adds an intriguing layer to the ongoing speculation.
Arsenal’s Technical Director, Edu, will undoubtedly weigh the pros and cons of pursuing either Toney or Osimhen as the club aims to address their goal-scoring deficiencies. The final decision will likely be influenced by various factors, including financial considerations, negotiation dynamics, and the players’ willingness to make a move in the midst of the season.
In the coming weeks, Arsenal fans will eagerly await updates on the club’s pursuit of a new striker, with Silvestre’s endorsement of Victor Osimhen adding fuel to the speculation fire. Whether the Gunners opt for Toney, Osimhen, or another candidate altogether, the choice will shape the trajectory of their attacking force and, ultimately, their ambitions for the remainder of the season.
