Former Super Eagles and West Bromwich Albion forward Peter Odemwingie has identified Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid as the ideal destinations for Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen ahead of the summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old Galatasaray forward has become one of the hottest strikers in European football following a record-breaking campaign in Turkey, where he recently inspired the club to their 25th Süper Lig title.

Despite a reported €150 million valuation placed on him by Galatasaray, several European giants, including Arsenal, Chelsea, PSG and Real Madrid, are monitoring his situation closely.

‘Arsenal, Barcelona and Real Madrid are perfect for him’

Speaking on Osimhen’s future, Odemwingie said the striker’s pace, aerial ability and movement would make him a success at several elite clubs.

“I will say Arsenal and Barcelona will be good. Real Madrid is also a class for him,” the former Lille striker said.

“Anywhere he goes, when they move the ball nicely, he can make a call for the ball. He is good in the air as well. Maybe they will say Arsenal isn’t a mature squad because the squad is too young, so he needs a more mature one so that the whole job is not put on his hands.”

Odemwingie highlights Osimhen’s strengths

Odemwingie also highlighted Osimhen’s suitability for English football because of his physical qualities.

“But with his speed, he can make a huge difference. Regardless, all those guys are very good players. He is fast, and he can head well. He has the advantage of height, and he jumps very well; that’s English football for you,” he added.

The former Super Eagles forward also believes Spain’s top clubs would perfectly suit Osimhen’s attacking style.

“Real Madrid also has a big pitch; it’s wide, and it will suit him to make runs and all that. Barcelona and Real Madrid, of course. The latter has a big pitch, which is wide. It will suit him to make runs.”

‘Manchester United wahala is too much’

However, Odemwingie advised Osimhen against joining Manchester United, warning that the pressure surrounding the club could become overwhelming for strikers.

“I’m not saying Manchester United because the wahala there is too much. The pressure on strikers; we’ve seen it with Lukaku and so many other strikers. They will always find a scapegoat because the club is so big,” he said.

Transfer speculation intensifies ahead of summer window

While Galatasaray vice-chairman Abdullah Kavukcu has expressed a desire to keep the striker in Istanbul, Odemwingie believes Osimhen is currently in the peak years of his career and should seize the opportunity to make a dream move this summer.

As the transfer window approaches, speculation continues over whether the “King of Istanbul” will remain in Turkey or make a blockbuster switch to one of Europe’s elite clubs.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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