Victor Osimhen has four-word transfer message to remember amid Arsenal and Chelsea summer wait

After scoring 37 times for Galatasaray, helping them win the Turkish league for the third season in a row, it's no surprise that Victor Osimhen is a fan favourite. He was hoarded by supporters when his loan deal last summer was completed.

At the airport, the scene was a throwback to transfers of the past. Galatasaray celebrated signing him like they had lifted a trophy. Given how things worked out, maybe that was the moment that clinched it.

Okan Buruk's side were top by 11 points in the end. They only scored once more than closest challengers Fenerbahce (and Jose Mourinho) but piled on 36 over third place Samunspor and 22 more than Besiktas in fourth.

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Osimhen contributed to 26 of those with five assists.He started 29 league games and came off the bench in two. Although he failed to score in (just) 12, he provided a goal or assist in 22 out of 30 appearances.

His goal, five in three rounds, won the Turkish Cup. In the Europa League he scored six times in seven games but missed the play-off knockout first leg against AZ Alkmaar and had too much to do in the return match. Had he been fit then it might have been a different story.

At no point did it look like Osimhen was taking this for granted. It was not the move that many expected of him in 2024 after signing a new contract with Napoli but being granted his exit wish.

Chelsea had pushed late on for a deal with loans, obligations, and wage structure conversations going on deep into the window. Arsenal were also linked as an option.

In the end, neither side would buy an out-and-out striker and they would suffer for it. That is why there was so much chatter in January over an exit clause in Osimhen's Galatsaray deal.

Napoli, after all, are his parent club. They tried to cut ties with him but have not been able to with mammoth financial demands. Now, with 26-year-old Osimhen, the uncertainty goes on.

Arsenal and Chelsea are still in the market for centre forwards. Chelsea, because they could yet sell Nicolas Jackson after buying Liam Delap and the versatile Joao Pedro. Arsenal, because slow progress is being made over Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.

Osimhen's name exists tangential to all of this. He is maybe the biggest superstar striker available but due to the size of his total package and time outside a top five league, does not appear to be under consideration.

It is why he has been left in a position of limbo so far. Al-Hilal had funds ready to go for him following their failed attempt to land Mohamed Salah. Saudi Arabian interest remains in him despite a pre-Club World Cup hitch.

And then there is Galatasaray themselves. Fans would unsurprisingly love to see him return. That is something the club will do all they can to make a reality.

At the end of last season, when Osimhen was celebrating the league and cup double in Istanbul, a banner was presented to him. It was simple but bore the words: "Stay with us Osimhen".

The red background and orange words, Galatasaray's colours, were next to an image of Osimhen celebrating. He grabs the shirt, pummels the badge with his hand.

He is always a ferocious celebrator of goals. He roars, sprints, pumps his arms, and often takes off the mask designed to protect him. Osimhen has given it all to Galatasaray. This has not been a vacation or a big payday.

If it is possible to convince elite teams of your worth with a season in Turkey - which is hard, just as it is in Portugal, ask Gyokeres - then Osimhen has done his best. He created a bond with the fans right from the start, and he rewarded them.

One supporter had an Osimhen doll. Blonde, spikey hair and superhero mask all kitted out and knitted up. In the city centre, billboards also had the "Stay with us" message, this time accompanied by a praying hands emoji. It might take more than prayers to make this happen.

What is next for Osimhen is not clear.A move to England looks as unlikely as it has for the past few years. The Middle East are still keen and swimming in riches.

Arsenal and Chelsea are not done when it comes to striker business. You can say almost certainly not, but never 'never'. Not with Osimhen.

As for Galatsaray fans, their stance is perfectly clear.