Arsenal are keen on signing a full-back in the Summer transfer window, and have been continually linked with Fenerbahce star Ferdi Kadioglu.
Kadioglu has been a standout performer for Fenerbahce, making an astonishing 50 appearances across all competitions this season.
The 24-year-old is predominantly a left-back despite being right-footed and has also featured at right-back this season, whilst developing as a highly versatile option who has also played in midfield earlier in his career.
Reports from Turkey have linked him with an Arsenal move for months, with his father even hinting that a deal had been agreed, and all signs there point to him arriving at the Emirates this summer.
Ferdi Kadioglu preparing for Premier League move amid Arsenal links
Turkish outlet Sabah has now reported that Kadioglu is “preparing to go to the Premier League,” amid interest from Arsenal, with the player valued at around £17m.
Kadioglu reportedly found himself on Arsenal’s radar after his excellent campaign, in which he scored three times and provided five assists,
Mikel Arteta is keen on signing a left-back, with Jorrel Hato of Ajax linked, whilst reported target Andrea Cambiaso has just signed a long-term contract to stay at Juventus.
Why Ferdi Kadioglu suits Arteta’s transfer plans for new Arsenal left-back
Kadioglu certainly fits the profile of what Arteta normally looks for in a player. He featured in 97% of Fenerbahce’s minutes this season, rarely suffering from injuries unlike Arsenal’s current left-back options.
He is robust in defence and his strong ability on the ball, as well as his versatility, could see him replicate Oleksandr Zinchenko’s inverted role on the left, whilst also providing extra cover on the right.
He does fit a similar profile to Cambiaso and Hato, although the Dutchman is significantly younger than both, and it would not be a huge surprise to see Arsenal sign him at £17m as a squad option.
However, most of the links have come from Turkey, with little indication in North London right now that he is destined to end up at the Emirates, but any interest in him does show that Arteta wants another versatile defender.
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Should he arrive, Zinchenko or Jakub Kiwior could leave, with both attracting criticism for their performances at left-back, and the Ukrainian entering the last two years of his deal, but it remains to be seen whether Arsenal see Kadioglu as the solution.