According to reports from the Turkish outlet Nutuk, Arsenal has made an initial offer to acquire Fenerbahce’s left-back, Ferdi Kadioglu, during the summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old defender had been strongly linked with the Gunners earlier in the transfer period, with rumors suggesting that personal terms had already been agreed upon between Arsenal and the Turkish international.
Nutuk now reports that Arsenal has submitted a £17 million opening bid for Kadioglu. However, Arsenal is not the only club interested in the versatile defender—Borussia Dortmund has reportedly made a similar offer.
Despite the interest, Fenerbahce is reluctant to sell Kadioglu for that amount and has set their asking price at £30 million, a figure that would set a transfer record for a player leaving the Turkish Super Lig.
The deal seems unlikely for Arsenal. Kadioglu began his career as a forward, comfortable on either wing and in attacking midfield, but has since been converted into a regular defender.
Although he is right-footed, Kadioglu has proven his versatility by playing in both full-back positions, with his preferred spot on the left.
Currently, Arsenal is well-stocked in the left-back position. Oleksandr Zinchenko started in that role against Bayer Leverkusen, and the club also has Riccardo Calafiori, Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, and Takehiro Tomiyasu as options. Additionally, Kieran Tierney is another left-back option, though he is currently sidelined with a long-term hamstring injury.
Given Arsenal’s depth in this area, it seems unlikely that the club will pursue Kadioglu, who was born in the Netherlands.
The rumors of Arsenal’s interest may have been sparked by his agent, possibly to encourage other European clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, to meet Fenerbahce’s demands.
As the transfer window progresses, it appears unlikely that Arsenal will make additional defensive signings. Instead, the club may shift its focus towards strengthening the midfield and possibly adding a center-forward. Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad seems to be Arsenal’s primary midfield target.
Regarding the striker position, Arsenal has not been closely linked with any potential signings. However, this could change if Eddie Nketiah leaves the club.
Olympique Marseille has made a new transfer offer for the 25-year-old striker, who is open to the move. If Nketiah departs, Arsenal might then consider bringing in a new forward before the transfer window closes.
