According to reports from the Turkish outlet Nutuk, Arsenal has made an initial bid to acquire Fenerbahce’s left-back, Ferdi Kadioglu, during the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old defender had been heavily 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 an opening offer of £17 million for Kadioglu. However, Arsenal isn’t the only club interested in the versatile defender—Borussia Dortmund has reportedly made a similar bid. Despite this, Fenerbahce is reluctant to sell Kadioglu for that price and has set their asking price at £30 million, a figure that would mark a transfer record for a player being sold from the Turkish Super Lig.
The potential deal seems unlikely for Arsenal. Kadioglu began his career as a forward, playing comfortably on either wing and in attacking midfield. However, he has since been converted into a regular defender. Although Kadioglu is right-footed, he has proven his versatility by playing in both full-back positions, with his preferred spot being on the left.
At present, 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 for the position. 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 the signing of Kadioglu, who was born in the Netherlands. The rumors of Arsenal’s interest in Kadioglu may have been sparked by his agent, possibly to encourage other European clubs, including Borussia Dortmund, to meet Fenerbahce’s demands.
At this stage of the transfer window, it appears unlikely that Arsenal will make any additional defensive signings. Instead, the club’s focus may shift towards strengthening the midfield and possibly adding a center-forward. Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad seems to be the primary midfield target for the Gunners.
As for the striker position, Arsenal has not been linked closely with any potential signings. However, this situation could change if Eddie Nketiah leaves the club. Olympique Marseille has made a new transfer offer for the 25-year-old striker, who has shown openness to the move. Should Nketiah depart, Arsenal may then consider bringing in a new forward before the transfer window closes.