In a stunning twist that could reshape the Premier League’s power dynamics, Arsenal are on the verge of pulling off a blockbuster £80million transfer for Porto sensation Samu Aghehowa, sources close to the deal have revealed. This audacious move would not only bolster Mikel Arteta’s attacking arsenal but also deliver a crushing blow to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, who have long eyed the young Spanish striker as their prime January target.
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta, working in tandem with manager Mikel Arteta, has been quietly orchestrating this hijack amid growing concerns over the club’s forward options. The Gunners splashed £64m on Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP last summer, marking their first outright No. 9 signing in years. However, with Gabriel Jesus poised for a potential exit in 2026—his contract runs until June 2027—and both Gyokeres and Kai Havertz sidelined by injuries, Berta is determined to add more firepower.
Samu Aghehowa, the 21-year-old goal machine, has emerged as Europe’s next big striking talent. After joining Atletico Madrid in August 2023 following a breakout stint at Granada, he spent the 2023-24 season on loan at Deportivo Alaves before securing a permanent move to Porto last August. Since then, he’s been unstoppable, netting an impressive 36 goals in just 60 appearances for the Portuguese giants. His blend of pace, power, and clinical finishing has drawn comparisons to some of the continent’s elite forwards, making him a hot commodity in the transfer market.
According to exclusive reports from CaughtOffside, Arsenal have surged into the race, positioning themselves alongside Tottenham and Chelsea. But it’s the Gunners and Spurs who are “the ones to watch,” with both clubs having formally expressed interest in the Primeira Liga star. Arsenal’s entry could “destroy” their rivals’ plans, especially as Tottenham view Samu as their “dream” replacement for underperforming duo Dominic Solanke and Richarlison. Chelsea, meanwhile, are plotting a £133m double swoop that includes Samu and one of his Porto teammates, as revealed by transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher.
Berta’s striker shortlist is comprehensive, featuring Samu alongside Serhou Guirassy and Jean-Philippe Mateta, as alternatives to the “injury-prone” Jesus and Havertz. Newcastle United had shown interest but have since cooled off after securing Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa. Porto’s stance is flexible: while Samu’s release clause stands at a hefty €100m (£88m), insiders believe they’ll accept around €90m (£79m), with our sources confirming a likely £80m exit fee.
Transfer experts Fraser Fletcher and Dean Jones have both weighed in on the saga. Fletcher’s Tuesday update highlighted Chelsea’s ambitious double deal, while sources told him Tottenham are eyeing a January package including Samu and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo. Jones, on the other hand, affirmed Samu’s status as Spurs’ top priority. Yet, as things stand, Tottenham lead the chase—but Arsenal’s late surge could flip the script entirely.
This potential signing would be a masterstroke for Arteta’s side, who currently top both the Premier League and Champions League tables. Adding Samu could “almost guarantee silverware,” providing the depth needed to “streamroll” opponents, as pundit Paul Merson recently described Arsenal’s “absolutely outstanding” duo of key players.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s woes continue after a chaotic 5-3 Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, where one star was branded a “liability.” For Spurs and Chelsea, losing out on Samu to their crosstown foes would be a bitter pill, underscoring Arsenal’s ruthless ambition in the transfer window.
As the January window approaches, all eyes are on the Emirates. Will Arsenal seal this devastating coup and leave their rivals reeling? Stay tuned for more updates on this explosive story.