Deal signed: Paperworks and official announcement soon, Arsenal set to complete first summer transfer in coming days
Arsenal concluded the 2023/2024 Premier League season with the best defensive record. Despite this success, the club recognizes the necessity to bolster their defense with new signings during the summer transfer window.
Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu are particularly focused on finding a new left-back. This need has become more pressing as current players Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior are being targeted by Bayern Munich and might depart the club.
Recent reports indicate that Arsenal is preparing to make an improved offer for a new defender after their initial £17 million bid was rejected. The player in question is Fenerbahce’s No. 7, Ferdi Kadioglu. Arsenal is set to return to the negotiating table with a new bid for the Turkey international, who is currently participating in UEFA Euro 2024. According to Turkish outlet Hurriyet, Arsenal’s initial bid was turned down, as Fenerbahce is seeking over €30 million (£26 million) for Kadioglu.
During the 2023/24 season, Kadioglu made 51 appearances, scoring three goals and providing five assists. He primarily played as an inverted left-back, a role that requires significant technical skill. Despite Fenerbahce’s new manager, Jose Mourinho, wanting to retain Kadioglu, the club is more inclined to sell him after acquiring Levent Mercan as a direct replacement.
The 24-year-old Kadioglu has been compared to Portugal international Joao Cancelo, known for his impressive technical abilities and the ability to play as an inverted left-back, cutting inside on his stronger right foot. Arteta has previously expressed interest in signing Cancelo from Manchester City.
Adding to the competition, Borussia Dortmund has also made an official approach for Kadioglu, as reported by Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu. This development comes amid speculation that Arsenal had already agreed on personal terms with Kadioglu for a move to the Emirates Stadium. However, with Ian Maatsen potentially joining Aston Villa, Dortmund has emerged as a significant rival in the pursuit of the Turkey international.