Deal signed: Paperworks and official announcement soon, Arsenal set to complete first summer transfer in coming days
Arsenal finished the 2023/2024 Premier League season with the best defensive record, but there will be a need for new players in that department this summer.
Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu are looking for a new left-back option, as Bayern Munich targets Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior could be on their way out.
According to the latest reports, Arsenal are set to make an improved offer for a defender after having their initial £17 million bid rejected by his current club.
The Gunners are now preparing a second bid for Fenerbahce’s No. 7, Ferdi Kadioglu. According to Hurriyet in Turkey, Arsenal will return to the negotiating table with a new offer for the Turkey international, who is currently playing in UEFA Euro 2024.
Another Turkish outlet, Anjansspor, previously reported that Arsenal’s initial £17 million bid was rejected, with Fenerbahce seeking over €30 million (£26 million) for Kadioglu.
Kadioglu, who scored three goals and provided five assists in 51 appearances during the 2023/24 season, primarily played as an inverted left-back.
Despite Jose Mourinho, Fenerbahce’s new manager, wanting to keep him, the club is now more likely to sell Kadioglu after signing a direct replacement, Levent Mercan.
The 24-year-old Kadioglu, known for his technical ability, has been compared to Portugal international Joao Cancelo, who Arteta previously tried to sign from Manchester City. Both players are recognized for their impressive technical skills and play as inverted left-backs, cutting inside on their stronger right foot.
As earlier reported here, Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu says Borussia Dortmund have also made an official approach for Ferdi Kadioglu.
It was previously claimed that Arsenal had already agreed on terms with Kadioglu for a move to the Emirates Stadium. However, with Ian Maatsen seemingly on the verge of joining Aston Villa, Dortmund have emerged as Arsenal’s direct rival for the Turkey international.
