Manchester United are reportedly swooping in on long-term Arsenal target Ferdi Kadioglu.
The Fenerbahce ace caught the eye of the North London club, with Turkish outlets claiming an offer was lobbed in back in June. However, Kadioglu was all about the Euros action and put transfer talks on hold. With Turkey now booted from the tournament by the Dutch squad, it's game on for a fierce tug-of-war over the sought-after wing-back, who was highly praised by Gunners legend Lee Dixon during his Euro 2024 stint.
Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund have apparently already thrown their hats into the ring with bids, leaving Man United to play catch-up if they fancy their chances at snagging the player. Kadioglu's belter performances for Turkey, driving them to the quarter-finals of the Euros, have got United's heads turning, as per reports from Turkey, says the Mirror.
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It was this very Euro display that had both Arsenal and Dortmund hitting pause on their chase for the £30million-rated star back in June, with Kadioglu zoned in on his national duties rather than any transfer buzz. During ITV's broadcast of the Turkey vs Netherlands match, former Gunners fullback Dixon couldn't help but rave about the defender, gushing: "He looks an absolute star, doesn't he tonight? I think that wing-back role really suits him as well."
It's still up in the air whether it'll be Arsenal or their arch-rivals United who nab the hotshot if he decides to jump ship. But with Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce splashing the cash left, right and centre, they might just cash in on Kadioglu. Fenerbahce's chief Mario Branco has been gabbing about their transfer game plan, having recruited Jose Mourinho as manager.
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He said: "We managed to attract one of the biggest names in world football, the only coach in the world to have won all three European competitions. We know what profiles the coach wants. Thanks to our club president, we are in a position to attack the transfer market how Jose Mourinho requires."
Ten Hag has the green light to stick around at Old Trafford for an extra two years after his contract got a boost this summer, and he's got his sights set on beefing up the left-back spot. With Luke Shaw often stuck in the treatment room and Tyrell Malacia missing in action last season, the Red Devils are desperate for a reliable player there.
Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelof had a go filling in, but Kadioglu could be the man to make the role his own. Arsenal are also on the hunt for a left-back. Oleksandr Zinchenko has been rumoured to be leaving the Emirates this summer, and if a club matches his £38million price tag, he'll need to be replaced.
Regardless of whether Zinchenko leaves or stays, Jurrien Timber will require competition, so the Gunners might consider increasing their £18million offer that was disclosed by Turkish media outlet Ajansspor. Initial reports indicate that Kadioglu would rather make a move to the Premier League than sign with Dortmund, suggesting that the two historic red rivals could be in a face-off for his signature.
