Zenke: Arsenal, Man United Missed Golden Chance To Sign Osimhen

Former Nigerian international Simon Zenke says Arsenal and Manchester United may regret failing to sign Victor Osimhen before the striker joined Galatasaray, following his impressive performances in Turkey.

Zenke, 37, made the remarks in an interview with Türkiye Newspaper, praising the Nigerian forward’s impact at Galatasaray and expressing surprise that leading European clubs did not pursue him when he was available from Napoli.

‘I think it was a perfect opportunity transfer for Galatasaray because he was worth more than €100 million at the time of his transfer,’ Zenke said.

‘I was really surprised that none of the big European clubs like Arsenal and Manchester United, who needed the striker at the time, went after him. I think they regret it now after seeing his performance in Turkey.’

The former Super Eagles player described Osimhen as a modern striker whose pace, strength, pressing ability and defensive contribution make him valuable beyond his goalscoring.

‘He is the kind of player I call a ‘modern striker’. He is fast, strong, hides the ball well, presses very well, scores goals and even contributes to the defence,’ he said.

Zenke, who also played in the Turkish Süper Lig, believes Osimhen’s importance extends to the Nigerian national team, where he sees a clear difference in performances when the Galatasaray forward is available.

‘As for the national team, he is an extremely key part of the team. When you compare the period when he played for the national team with the period when he did not, the difference is as clear as night and day. Osimhen is the heart of the team,’ he said.

Zenke also suggested that he and Osimhen would have formed an effective partnership on the pitch because of their complementary qualities.

‘I would love to play with him. Thanks to our common characteristics, we made each other’s work easier. We would have been a nightmare for the defenders,’ he added.

The former Nigerian international said Osimhen’s current form had not surprised him, pointing to the striker’s consistent goalscoring record at the clubs he has represented.

‘I am not surprised by his performances because he is a player who has always proven his goalscoring ability. He managed to score goals in all the teams he played for. I am very happy for him,’ Zenke said.

He also defended Osimhen’s emotional reactions on the pitch, arguing that the striker’s intensity stems from his determination to win and his expectations of those around him.

‘Osimhen is a very emotional player. He gives it his all on the field and expects the same from his teammates,’ Zenke said.

‘Although there are moments when he crosses the line, his teammates should understand that he is a winner and should not take some of his reactions personally.’