Arsenal Target Umar May Beat Transfer Record For A Nigerian Teen Held By Chelsea

Arsenal’s initial offer for Roma striker Sadiq Umar was for 20 million euros if performance-related incentives are thrown into the mix.

Assuming the Serie A side had accepted the proposal from the Gunners, Umar’s transfer fee would have equaled the total sum paid by Chelsea to acquire John Obi Mikel (then 18 years) from Manchester United a decade ago, which still stands as the most expensive Nigerian teenager purchased by a club.

The Blues paid Manchester United the equivalent of €15 million and Norwegian club Lyn Oslo €5 in compensation before the transfer dispute involving the three clubs was resolved.

Arsenal are believed to be preparing to make another bid for the 19-year-old Umar and he will become the most expensive Nigerian teen if the offer is accepted by the Giallorossi .

Sadiq Umar has seen his stock rise sharply in the last six months having netted 16 goals for the various teams of Roma, including two in his first four matches in the Italian top-flight.