"Intensifying pursuit": Blow to Arsenal as Al Hilal declares interest in Osimhen

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- Al Hilal have identified Victor Osimhen as their top transfer target ahead of the closing weeks of the transfer window

- The Saudi club's previous KSh 19.49 billion offer for the Galatasaray striker was rejected outright by the Turkish club

- Al Hilal's pursuit of Osimhen hinges on Karim Benzema's departure before any deal can be finalised

Al Hilal are intensifying their pursuit of Victor Osimhen, with the Nigerian striker now confirmed as the Saudi club's primary transfer objective, according to reports from Turkey via Forza Cimbom on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

The Saudi Pro League side, however, faces an internal condition before any move can progress:

Karim Benzema must first leave the club to free up the necessary resources and squad space for Osimhen's arrival.

Will Al Hilal sign Osimhen?

Al Hilal's interest in Osimhen is not new. The club previously submitted an offer of approximately KSh 21.4 billion for the striker, only for Galatasaray to reject the proposal without hesitation.

Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek has made the club's stance unambiguous, stating publicly that Osimhen is not available for transfer regardless of the sums offered.

Osimhen joined Galatasaray permanently from Napoli in 2025, signing a four-year contract. He wasted little time in making an impression at the start of the current season, netting a brace against Çorum FK in Galatasaray's opening fixture.

Do Arsenal want to sign Osimhen

Al Hilal are not alone in their admiration. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been exploring the possibility of bringing Osimhen to the Premier League as part of an effort to bolster the Gunners' attacking options.

No formal bid from Arsenal has been reported, and any pursuit faces a substantial financial challenge given that Osimhen is understood to be earning in excess of KSh 52.57 million per week at Galatasaray.

The competition between the two clubs sets up a significant tug of war, with Arsenal offering a return to European football and Al Hilal expected to table a record-breaking salary package should Benzema's exit be confirmed.

For now, Galatasaray hold all the cards, and with their president publicly ruling out a sale, both Al Hilal and Arsenal face a formidable obstacle in prising Osimhen away from Istanbul before the transfer window shuts.

See the post below:

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.