Sports

How Arsenal missed signing Osimhen for free

Published

3 years ago

March 16, 2023

According to The Mirror, Arsenal missed out on a golden opportunity to sign prolific striker Victor Osimhen in 2016 and yet failed to get him for free in January 2017, when he left Nigeria to join Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg.

The 24-year-old Nigerian striker has been making headlines for his outstanding performances with Napoli since joining the Serie A side in 2020.

Osimhen made headlines in 2015 when he scored 10 goals to help Nigeria win the U-17 World Cup for a record fifth time. The young striker claimed the Golden Boot for his efforts, with Wolfsburg and Arsenal battling for his signature.

Wolfsburg won that battle in January 2016, as they agreed to a pre-contract deal with Osimhen. The move was finalised in January 2017. Arsenal were left to pay for not acting on time. Osimhen explained that he was actually invited to the Emirates by the English giants in February 2016.

“It’s true that a big team like Arsenal wanted me and I feel honoured to be invited over,” Osimhen told BBC Sport. “But personally I feel Wolfsburg is a ladder for me to reach my professional goals.

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“Yes Arsenal is a good team for young players but Wolfsburg is the best club for me. This is the best place for me to learn and develop because my heart is here with Wolfsburg… The club’s plan for my career is very encouraging and I believe with God on my side I can grow to become one of the best players in the world.”

Osimhen did not register a senior goal for Wolfsburg, but he’s flourished since leaving the German club, initially on loan, in the summer of 2018. The forward has scored goals for fun at Belgian side Charleroi, French outfit Lille and Champions League hopefuls Napoli.

Now Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea are both expected to enter the transfer market this summer to sign a striker

Reports in Italy earlier this month suggested Premier League giants United were the favourites to sign the talent, but he won’t come cheap, as they might have to pay €150m to grab the in-form striker.

Sports

BREAKING: Chelsea sack head coach Liam Rosenior after Brighton loss

Published

3 weeks ago

April 22, 2026

Everydaynewsngr

Chelsea have confirmed the sacking of Liam Rosenior, just three four months into his six-year deal at the club. The decision comes after the club suffered their sixth loss in seven matches across all competitions.

In a statement published by the club, the FIFA Club World Cup champions confirmed that the decision was not taken lightly but rather forced after the poor form. They praised the Englishman for his time and Stamford Bridge and said:

“Chelsea Football Club has today parted company with Head Coach Liam Rosenior. On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the Club. Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.”

“This has not been a decision the Club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season. Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future.”
The Blues hired Rosenior after Enzo Maresca resigned from his post on New Year’s Day. The Englishman had impressed at sister-club Strasbourg and was given the chance to show his skills at the Premier League club.

The 41-year-old took charge of just 23 matches before he was sacked. He won 11 matches, eight of which came in his first 11 matches at the club. The Blues kept just four clean sheets in all competitions, while conceding 38 goals and scoring just 47.

Chelsea reappoint Calum McFarlane as interim coach
Chelsea appointed Calum McFarlane as the interim coach after Enzo Maresca parted ways, and the former U21 coach is back at the helm for the rest of the season. He was a part of Liam Rosenior’s backroom staff and will take charge of the first-team for the rest of the season.

“Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing Club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup. As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”