Arsenal 'accelerate move' for first summer signing with £30m 'likely' to seal deal

Arsenal have reportedly put forward a €20 million (£17m) offer to sign Ferdi Kadioglu from Fenerbahce. According to Turkish outlet Ajansspor, the Gunners have already made an offer to sign the versatile defender who has been on Mikel Arteta’s watch-list for quite some time, but it is believed Kadioglu’s club will be hoping for a fee closer to £30 million.

Fenerbahce have recognised that several of their players are picking up increasing interest but the Turkish side remain determined not to sell them on too cheaply. 24-year-old Kadioglu is one such star, who featured 51 times for the club last season across all competitions.

The right-footed defender is able to play on either flank with ease, while also boasting the ability to help out in midfield when required. Such versatility has peaked Arteta’s interest with the Spanish manager a firm fan of those who can excel at more than just their primary role.

Early reports from Turly had suggested the Emirates side had already agreed upon a deal but while this has since been refuted, the Gunners are still thought to hold a key interest in the full-back. Further reports have since added that Arteta’s side may have agreed personal terms with Kadioglu but while the aforementioned £17m was offered, it is unlikely this will have been accepted.

With the Turkish SuperLig side holding out for between €35-40m (£30m), Arsenal are unlikely to pay such a sum. They will now also have to compete against Borussia Dortmund who are said to have made a €25m (£21m) offer for the rising defensive star.

The Dutch-born star has made nearly 150 league appearances for Fenerbahce after joining the side in 2018. He has eleven Turkish SuperLig goals and was named the club’s vice-captain in the 2022/23 season. After representing Netherlands at all youth levels, the defender is now representing Turkey in the ongoing European Championships and started in their first game against Georgia, which Turkey won 3-1.