Arsenal is making moves in the transfer market, particularly in light of recent injury updates regarding Jurrien Timber.
The club has reportedly accepted terms to sign a new defender, offering a weekly salary of £98,000, with the transfer fee expected to be around £29.8 million.
This player, although unnamed in this context, is anticipated to undergo a medical examination today and could be watching Arsenal’s upcoming match tomorrow from the stands.
One of the latest developments involves Arsenal’s pursuit of Fenerbahce’s left-back Ferdi Kadioglu.
According to reports from the Turkish outlet Nutuk, Arsenal has made an initial bid of £17 million for the 24-year-old defender.
Kadioglu has been on Arsenal’s radar throughout the summer transfer window, and it has been suggested that he has already agreed to personal terms with the North London club.
However, Arsenal is not the only club interested in Kadioglu.
Borussia Dortmund has also entered the fray, reportedly matching Arsenal’s initial offer with a similar bid.
Despite this, Fenerbahce is holding firm, demanding a significantly higher fee of £30 million, which would set a new transfer record for a player from the Turkish Super Lig.
Given the discrepancy between the bids and Fenerbahce’s valuation, the chances of a deal being finalized at this stage seem slim.
Ferdi Kadioglu’s career trajectory is noteworthy.
He originally started out as a forward and was comfortable playing on either wing or as an attacking midfielder.
Over time, however, he transitioned into a more defensive role and is now recognized as a versatile defender capable of playing in both full-back positions, although he primarily operates on the left side.
This versatility has undoubtedly contributed to the interest he has garnered from top European clubs like Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.
Despite the interest from Arsenal, a move for Kadioglu seems unlikely to materialize.
Arsenal already has considerable depth in the left-back position.
Oleksandr Zinchenko, who started as a left-back in the recent match against Bayer Leverkusen, is one of the primary options.
In addition, the team has other capable players who can fill in, including Riccardo Calafiori, Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Even though Kieran Tierney is currently out with a long-term hamstring injury, he is expected to return eventually, further adding to the competition for the left-back spot.
Given the existing options in the squad, it seems unlikely that Arsenal will push forward with a deal for Kadioglu.
Some speculate that the rumors surrounding his potential transfer to Arsenal may have been stirred by his representatives in an attempt to attract interest from other European clubs, particularly Borussia Dortmund, in the hopes that they might meet Fenerbahce’s asking price.
Looking ahead, Arsenal’s focus in the transfer market may shift away from the defensive positions.
Instead, the club could prioritize strengthening the midfield and center-forward roles.
Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad has emerged as a key target for the midfield, reflecting Arsenal’s intent to bolster this area of the pitch.
As for the striker position, while Arsenal is not currently close to securing a new forward, the situation could change depending on Eddie Nketiah’s future.
Marseille has expressed renewed interest in Nketiah and has made an offer for the 25-year-old striker, who is reportedly open to the idea of a move to the French club.
If this transfer goes through, Arsenal may then look to bring in a new striker to replace Nketiah.
