Osimhen, Ejuke lead Eagles stars for possible deadline moves

File photo: Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen

Osimhen remains the biggest potential Nigerian transfer story of the window. The striker only completed a permanent move to Galatasaray in 2025, but his goalscoring record has continued to draw interest from Europe’s leading clubs, with Arsenal emerging as his strongest suitor.

The Premier League champions have reportedly held talks with the Turkish club over the 27-year-old forward.

His high salary is said to be a major obstacle, while Galatasaray remain reluctant to let him go, and any deal would still require Arsenal and the Turkish champions to agree a transfer fee.

Wilfred Ndidi

Ndidi’s future has also come under scrutiny this summer. The defensive midfielder joined Beşiktaş from Leicester City in 2025 but could be tempted by a fresh move after just one season in Turkey, with Saudi side Al-Ittihad reportedly exploring a deal and Al Diriyah also linked with him.

Beşiktaş are understood to have placed a significant valuation on the player, meaning any interested club would need to make a substantial offer to change the Turkish club’s stance.

Chidera Ejuke

Ejuke’s situation has already taken a dramatic turn. The Sevilla winger was strongly linked with a move to Anderlecht, who reportedly offered €3.5m, before the deal collapsed over his salary demands.

He has since returned to Sevilla and scored in the club’s 3-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao, a performance that could complicate any exit, even as the Spanish club remain willing to consider his departure before the deadline.

Joe Aribo

Aribo remains a free agent after his Southampton contract expired at the end of June, following a loan spell at Leicester City.

The 30-year-old’s availability without a transfer fee continues to make him an attractive option for clubs seeking experience and versatility, with reports suggesting he remains in the frame for a move to one of several interested sides as the window winds down.

Emmanuel Fernandez

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Fernandez has quickly become one of the hottest young Nigerian defenders on the market. The Rangers centre-back has attracted interest from Bayer Leverkusen and unnamed Premier League clubs, though Rangers, who have him under contract until 2029, hold a strong negotiating position. He is 24. His market value of €18m reflects how much his stock has risen, and a big late offer could test the Scottish club’s resolve.

Zaidu Sanusi

Sanusi could be heading for a new chapter after more than six years at Porto, with Saudi Pro League side Al Qadisiah reportedly in talks over a deal. Porto are said to be open to a sale for around €10m, with the timing significant as Sanusi enters the final year of his contract and negotiations over an extension have stalled.

Femi Azeez

Azeez has emerged as another Nigerian attracting serious Premier League interest, after an impressive 2025/26 Championship campaign with Millwall in which he scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 35 league starts.

Hull City are reportedly leading the race for the 25-year-old, with Brighton and Wrexham also linked, though Millwall’s asking price of up to €30m could complicate a deal, along with a hamstring injury that has him sidelined until early September.

Philip Otele

Otele could also be Saudi Arabia-bound, with Al-Fateh already in talks after an initial €3m bid was rejected by Basel, who are demanding €4m. Otele has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Saudi club, leaving both sides to bridge a relatively small gap in valuation before the window closes.

Elsewhere, two Nigerians who featured on PUNCH Sports Extra’s earlier list of Eagles free agents have since found new clubs. Peter Olayinka has completed a free transfer to Saudi side Al-Wehda after leaving Cypriot club APOEL Nicosia, while David Okereke has joined Italian Serie B side Benevento on a free transfer, choosing to stay in Italy over interest from Turkish clubs Kocaelispor and Kasımpaşa.

Henry Onyekuru, William Agada, Okechukwu Azubuike and Josh Maja, however, remain without clubs as the deadline approaches, with Maja continuing to be linked with Bristol City, Watford and Stoke City, and Agada still being tipped for a return to Israel’s Ligat Ha’Al.