EPL: Osimhen can give Arsenal powerful presence upfront — Petit

Former Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Petit has backed Victor Osimhen to give the Gunners a powerful presence in attack if the Nigerian striker moves to the club.

Petit was discussing Arsenal’s attacking options when he identified Osimhen as a potential alternative to Julián Alvarez, with the Napoli forward reportedly valued at around £100m.

According to Petit, in an interview with a British sports journalist and presenter who works with Oddschecker and WhoScored, monitored by PUNCH Online on Friday, Osimhen and Alvarez offer different qualities, but the Nigerian could provide Arsenal with greater physical presence in the final third.

“Next one for Arsenal then is Victor Osimhen at £100 million,” Petit said.

“They are different players. Not the same quality as Alvarez, but he will bring a powerful presence up front.”

Petit also highlighted Osimhen’s pace, fighting spirit and personality as qualities that could make him an effective option for Arsenal.

“He’s fast, he’s a fighter, he’s got a bad temper as well, a strong personality,” the former France international added.

Petit believes Osimhen would give Arsenal something different from Alvarez, while acknowledging that both forwards could be good options for the club.

“So, he will bring something different from Alvarez, but it’s two different options. Both of them are good,” he said.

Osimhen has built a reputation as one of Europe’s leading strikers, with his pace, strength and ability to attack space making him a dangerous presence in the final third.

A move to Arsenal would give the Nigerian another opportunity to compete at the highest level in the Premier League, while his physical style could add a different dimension to Mikel Arteta’s attack.