Nwankwo Kanu thinks player Arsenal reportedly almost signed in 2020 will become a superstar

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Arsenal will surely rue missing out on Victor Osimhen, a player who’s going from strength to strength.

The Gunners were heavily linked with the 22-year-old striker in 2020, but Napoli signed him instead.

Indeed, Arsenal were reportedly “really close” to landing Osimhen, according to Italian journalist Paolo Bargiggia.

Speaking to 1 Station Radio – via football.london – he said: “You must know that Osimhen was followed by Arsenal.

“He was very close to the Gunners, but (Napoli director of sport) Cristiano Giuntoli spoke with Aurelio De Laurentiis and the president broke the delay.

“So Napoli decided and managed to buy him.”

And so, Arsenal missed out on a top talent, with the Naples club paying Lille a reported 81.3m Euro (around £70.3m) for his services.

Osimhen has made 36 competitive appearances for Napoli, registering 16 goals and four assists.

He has been especially impressive this term, with six goals and an assist from just six games.

Likewise, Osimhen has shone for Nigeria, with seven goals and six assists under his belt from just 13 games.

Arsenal icon and Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu believes Osimhen could become the next Nigerian to win the African Footballer of the Year award.

Kanu, who won the AFOTY accolade in 1999, is quoted by All Nigeria Soccer as saying: “If I ask you, in Italy who is the best player there?

“(Victor Osimhen), he is doing fantastically well. If he keeps on doing it and keeps on doing it, definitely.

“We have other players who are doing well but I think for now, presently, he is the one on top.”