According to reports from the Turkish media outlet Nutuk, Arsenal has made an initial move towards securing Fenerbahce’s left-back, Ferdi Kadioglu, during the current summer transfer window. The 24-year-old defender has previously been the subject of speculation linking him with a move to Arsenal. There were even suggestions that personal terms between Kadioglu and the Gunners might have already been discussed and tentatively agreed upon.
Nutuk further reports that Arsenal has officially submitted an opening bid of £17 million for Kadioglu. However, the Gunners are not alone in their pursuit. Borussia Dortmund has also reportedly made a comparable offer for the talented left-back. Despite this interest from two prominent clubs, Fenerbahce is reluctant to part with Kadioglu at such a price. The Turkish side has set a significantly higher asking price of £30 million for the defender, a sum that would set a new transfer record for a player leaving the Turkish Super Lig.
Given the current demands and the competition, it seems increasingly unlikely that Arsenal will complete the transfer. Kadioglu began his career as a forward with experience in both wing positions and attacking midfield. Over time, he has transitioned into a defensive role, showcasing his versatility by performing effectively in both full-back positions, despite being right-footed. His preference, however, remains on the left side of defense.
Arsenal’s existing depth at left-back adds another layer of complexity to the situation. The club currently features Oleksandr Zinchenko, who has been utilized in this position recently, including in their latest match against Bayer Leverkusen. Additionally, Arsenal has other options such as Riccardo Calafiori, Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Kieran Tierney, another potential option, is currently sidelined due to a long-term hamstring injury.
With such a robust lineup already in place, it seems improbable that Arsenal would prioritize the acquisition of Kadioglu, particularly considering that he was born in the Netherlands and might be more suited to a move to another European club. The speculation around Arsenal’s interest could potentially have been generated by Kadioglu’s agent to attract attention from other clubs, such as Borussia Dortmund, thereby encouraging them to meet Fenerbahce’s elevated asking price.
As the transfer window progresses, Arsenal is more likely to redirect their focus toward other areas of their squad. The club might concentrate on strengthening their midfield and possibly looking for a new center-forward. Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad has emerged as a key target for Arsenal’s midfield reinforcement.
In terms of the striker position, Arsenal has not been prominently linked with new signings recently. However, this situation could change if Eddie Nketiah decides to leave the club. Olympique Marseille has recently submitted a new offer for the 25-year-old striker, who is reportedly open to the prospect of moving. Should Nketiah’s departure come to fruition, Arsenal might then seek to acquire a new forward before the transfer window closes.