MEDICAL SCHEDULE: Arsenal have reached the final stage to sign £60m superstar, Jersey number approved, paperwork finally done – player presentation wil be done this morning
Arsenal have made just one first-team signing during the summer transfer window, but there is likely to be more activity in the near future.
The Gunners have a verbal agreement in place with Bologna for Riccardo Calafiori and they are currently waiting for the Serie A outfit to negotiate payment terms with Basel over the sell-on fee.
Turkish publication Sabah now claim that the club are interested in signing Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz. The player’s representative is set to meet with Arsenal officials to discuss a deal.
The Super Lig champions would ideally like to keep Yilmaz in their squad, but they are likely to be tempted to sell if they receive more than €30 million (£25.3m) on the table for the winger.
Yilmaz’s versatility could be big reason behind interest
The 24-year-old is a very versatile player. He predominantly played on the right wing for Galatasaray last term, but he also made appearances at left-back, right-back and on the left wing.
Yilmaz can also play from the false number nine role. The Turkey international was ever-present for his country at the European Championship, making four appearances up front.
His huge versatility could be a big reason behind the Gunners’ interest. Yilmaz may not be an assured starter, but he could provide something different from the substitutes’ bench.
He registered seven goals and 12 assists for his club last season, but also impressed with other key attributes. He won an impressive 6.5 duels per game with 1.8 take-ons.
Yilmaz also won 1.7 tackles on average in the Super Lig with 3.9 recoveries. It is left to be seen whether Arsenal proceed with a formal bid after meeting his representative.
The forward, who has been described as ‘very special‘ by Gaziantep manager Selcuk Inan, only earns £13,000 per week. Personal terms could be easily agreed with him.
