Former Arsenal and France international William Gallas has voiced concerns over the potential signing of Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen by Arsenal, stating that the forward could cause unrest within Mikel Arteta’s squad dynamic.
Osimhen, who has netted 85 goals and contributed 14 assists across the past three seasons for Napoli and Galatasaray, remains one of the most sought-after strikers in world football. Yet despite his on-field prowess, Gallas is skeptical about how well he would integrate into Arsenal’s disciplined and structured environment.
“Victor Osimhen is a top-class striker, but I could see him clashing with Mikel Arteta,” Gallas told Prime Casino. The former Gunners captain believes that Arsenal need a different profile up front.
Gallas instead recommended two names he feels would be better fits. He views Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres as a smart tactical option but strongly advocates for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak as the ideal signing.
“Arsenal should break the bank for Isak,” Gallas insisted. “He’s a 20-goal-a-season striker who would slot into this team seamlessly. With quality players around him, he would thrive instantly and give Arsenal the best shot at the Premier League title.”
As Arsenal reshape their midfield, Gallas also backed a potential move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. With Jorginho gone and Thomas Partey likely to follow, Gallas sees Zubimendi as Arteta’s version of Manchester City’s Rodri — a deep-lying anchor who can unlock the team’s attacking freedom.
“Zubimendi could offer what Rodri does for City,” Gallas said. “He’s a player who protects the defence while allowing others to surge forward. Arteta may want to replicate that balance.”
Arsenal will begin their 2025–2026 campaign with a challenging trip to Old Trafford on August 17, where they face Manchester United under new boss Ruben Amorim. Whether Osimhen, Isak, or someone else leads the line for the Gunners remains to be seen — but Gallas has made his stance clear.