Galatasaray Secure Victory as Victor Osimhen Shines, While Arsenal Holds onto William Saliba Amid Transfer Speculation
Galatasaray Secures a 4-1 Win over Sivasspor with Osimhen scoring a brace in Turkish Super Lig action
In the Turkish Süper Lig, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen continued his impressive form, netting two goals as Galatasaray defeated Sivasspor 4-1. The Galatasaray success keeps them in the running for their third consecutive league title, currently sitting atop the table with 83 points from 32 matches.
Osimhen played a pivotal role in the team's second and fourth goals of the match, later giving way to Dries Mertens in the closing 20 minutes. This season, the 26-year-old has accumulated an impressive 40 goal contributions, with 33 goals and seven assists to his name. Surpassing his previous personal best of 31 goals in a single season, which he achieved during Napoli's championship-winning season two years ago.
Meanwhile, speculation regarding French centre-back William Saliba's future at Arsenal has been a hot topic. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, has confirmed that Saliba is committed to the Premier League club, amid reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid.
"I'm certain, because I had the conversation with Saliba, that he is so happy here," Arteta said in a recent press conference. "He wants to continue with us. I'm quite confident that William is very happy here and that’s the place that he wants to be."
Saliba, 24, has been a standout performer for Arsenal this season, making 27 Premier League appearances and contributing to 11 clean sheets. He has also scored two goals and maintained a strong presence in the UEFA Champions League with a passing accuracy of 93.43% and 80 clearances across seven matches.
Rumors suggest Spanish giants Real Madrid are considering a record-breaking offer to secure Saliba's services. In response, Arsenal has reportedly prepared a lucrative contract extension to keep Saliba at the Emirates, potentially seeing him earn up to €300,000 per week. Saliba is currently under contract with the Gunners until 2027.
Did You Know?
- William Saliba's current contract with Arsenal expires in 2027, with both the club and the player reportedly considering extending it before the 2025/26 season.
- Real Madrid has expressed interest in Saliba but might wait until closer to the end of his contract before making a bid.
- Arsenal may be preparing a contract extension to keep Saliba at the Emirates, potentially seeing him earn up to €300,000 per week and extending his stay until 2027.
Sources:1. Tongue, D. (2023). William Saliba: Arsenal Contract Extension Talks Expected in Summer. [online] Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/william-saliba-arsenal-contract-extension-talks-expected-in-summer/bltcdc3282c6d150fa12. Martínez, J.L. (2023). Real Madrid eye Arsenal defender William Saliba. [online] Retrieved from https://www.goal.com/en-es/news/real-madrid-eye-arsenal-defender-william-saliba/bltcdc3282c6d150fa13. De Moraes, A. (2023). Arsenal defender William Saliba signing fears over Real Madrid interest. [online] Retrieved from https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-defender-william-saliba-real-madrid-b1709468.html4. Greenaway, C. (2023). Arsenal could any swoop for Chelsea target Victor Osimhen amid Premier League rival interest. [online] Retrieved from https://www.msn.com/en-gb/sport/football/arsenal-could-any-swoop-for-chelsea-target-victor-osimhen-amid-premier-league-rival-interest/ar-AA17RJAo?li=BBoH30y&OCID=UAFMHPM
- In the Nigerian local slang, Naija, Victor Osimhen's two goals for Galatasaray against Sivasspor in the Turkish Super Lig have maintained his impressive European-leagues form.
- With 83 points, Galatasaray continues to challenge for their third consecutive league title, thanks in part to Victor Osimhen's 40 goal contributions this season.
- Despite speculation, William Saliba has confirmed his commitment to Arsenal, amid reports linking him with Real Madrid's interest.
- Saliba, a standout for Arsenal this season, has made 27 Premier League appearances, contributed to 11 clean sheets, and may soon earn up to €300,000 per week with a potential contract extension.
- Meanwhile, Arsenal eyes to extend Saliba's contract, which currently expires in 2027, in an attempt to ward off potential records-breaking bids from Spanish giants Real Madrid.
- Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen's current personal best of 31 goals, set during Napoli's championship-winning season, has been surpassed this season with his impressive goal contributions for Galatasaray.
