According to reports from the Turkish outlet Nutuk, Arsenal has initiated a bid to secure Fenerbahce’s left-back, Ferdi Kadioglu, during the ongoing summer transfer window. The 24-year-old defender, who has been linked with Arsenal for some time, was rumored to have already agreed on personal terms with the Premier League club. However, Nutuk now reveals that Arsenal has submitted an initial offer of £17 million for Kadioglu. Despite this interest, Arsenal faces competition from Borussia Dortmund, which has also made a similar bid for the versatile player.
Fenerbahce, however, is unwilling to accept the proposed figure and has set their asking price at £30 million, a sum that would set a record for a transfer from the Turkish Super Lig. Given this substantial price tag, the deal appears unlikely to go through, especially considering Arsenal’s current squad depth in the left-back position. Arsenal already has Oleksandr Zinchenko, who was utilized in this role during the recent match against Bayer Leverkusen. The club also boasts other options such as Riccardo Calafiori, Jakub Kiwior, Jurrien Timber, and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Additionally, although Kieran Tierney is out with a long-term hamstring injury, he remains another option for the left-back position.
Ferdi Kadioglu, who began his career as a forward playing on either wing or in attacking midfield, has transitioned into a regular defender over time. Despite being right-footed, he has shown versatility by playing effectively in both full-back positions, with a preference for the left side. Given Arsenal’s current strength in this area, it seems improbable that the club will pursue Kadioglu, particularly since his agent might be fueling these rumors to attract interest from other European clubs, such as Borussia Dortmund, to meet Fenerbahce’s demands.
As the transfer window progresses, Arsenal’s focus appears to be shifting towards bolstering their midfield and possibly adding a new center-forward rather than pursuing additional defensive reinforcements. Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad seems to be Arsenal’s main target for midfield enhancement. On the forward front, although there has been no close link with specific strikers, this could change if Eddie Nketiah were to leave the club. Olympique Marseille has recently made a new transfer offer for the 25-year-old striker, who has shown some willingness to consider the move. Should Nketiah transfer out, Arsenal might then look to secure a new forward before the end of the transfer window.
