Arsenal receive Victor Osimhen transfer guidance as Chelsea 'drop out of race' to sign Napoli star
Arsenal transfer news: Victor Osimhen has emerged as a target with Chelsea 'out of the race' for the Napoli star
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Former Arsenal star Francis Jeffers believes Victor Osimhen would represent a risky signing for his old side this summer.
And he also doesn't think the Nigeria international would represent an upgrade on Gabriel Jesus at the tip of Mikel Arteta's attack, despite his obvious quality.
Osimhen is widely expected to leave Napoli this summer, with Chelsea previously considered frontrunners in the race to secure his signature.
The Blues had been hoping to arrange a swap deal involving Romelu Lukaku, who remains in limbo after his loan spell at Roma last season.
Arsenal transfer news: Victor Osimhen has emerged as a target with Chelsea 'out of the race' for the Napoli star
GETTY
Chelsea are, however, reportedly out of the race for Osimhen - with talk of a potential move to Arsenal starting to gather pace.
There is a widespread belief that the Gunners need a world-class No 9 to finally pip Manchester City to Premier League title glory.
But Jeffers, speaking exclusively to GB News via William Hill Vegas, thinks Osimhen would represent a gamble - while also talking up Jesus' quality.
"No, I don’t think so," he said when asked if Osimhen would be an upgrade on Jesus.
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"I like Gabriel Jesus a lot. He can play in a number of positions which is what Arteta likes
"Jesus is used to the Premier League, so this is huge. He is a top player who can score goals.
"Osimhen is that out and out striker, but he may well need time to settle in the league."
Jeffers does think Arsenal need a proper No 9 to make the next step, while also hailing Arteta for the job he's done throughout his four-and-a-half years in the job.
"The most important business is consolidating the squad and keeping your best players, which is what Arsenal have done," he continued.
"Adding quality players is next and Arsenal look to have increased their defensive unit with the strong Italian signing [Riccardo Calafiori].
"For me though, Arsenal do need another striker, an out and out number nine. They need this to push on to win big trophies.
"Arteta is the right man for Arsenal. You can see everyone is going in the same direction.
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Arsenal transfer news: Francis Jeffers thinks Victor Osimhen would be a risky signing for his old club
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"He has consolidated the squad, with no one leaving who he wants to keep and they are on the right path.
"They do need another striker, but I think they will get over the line soon, with Arteta in charge."
While Jeffers thinks Arsenal are onto a good thing with Arteta, he still doesn't expect them to win the league.
The 43-year-old thinks Manchester City will be too strong, saying they 'still have too much for everyone else'.
Arsenal transfer news: Francis Jeffers has lavished praise on Gabriel Jesus as the start of the new Premier League season looms
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He thinks Arsenal will finish second this term, with Chelsea backed to finish third after showing 'signs of improvement' last time out.
Jeffers expects Tottenham to clinch fourth providing they can keep everybody fit.
Liverpool have been tipped to finish fifth, with Jeffers believing Arne Slot 'could take time to get going' following the departure of Jurgen Klopp.
And he's adamant Manchester United will miss out on Champions League football because they're 'not the force they once were'.