Arsenal target who blew Gunners icon away set to ‘receive Man Utd approach’

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will reportedly face competition from Manchester United in their pursuit of Ferdi Kadioglu this summer.

Turkish outlets had earlier reported Arsenal submitted a bid for the Fenerbahce talent back in June, but Kadioglu was focused on his commitments at Euro 2024 before entertaining any transfer speculation. Following Turkey’s exit at the hands of the Netherlands, the race for the wing-back’s signature seems to have ignited, with Borussia Dortmund also believed to have made an offer for his services.

However, United also appear to now be a solid contender for the left-sided utility, who was born and raised in the Netherlands. And former Ajax coach Erik ten Hag may look to use that to his advantage as he seeks to lure Kadioglu to Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old dazzled for Turkey in Germany this summer as he helped guide them to the quarter-finals. And The Mirror reported that’s earned the attention of United, who are in the market for a man of his talents.

Former Gunners defender Lee Dixon heaped praise on the player for his Euro 2024 display against his birth nation: “He looks an absolute star, doesn’t he tonight? I think that wing-back role really suits him as well.”

With a valuation of around £30million, Kadioglu put a potential move on pause while he concentrated on his national duties, leading to a lull in transfer activity for a spell. However, that decision appears to have paid off given interest has skyrocketed thanks to his spell in the European shop window.

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Fenerbahce sporting director Mario Branco has opened up about the club’s approach this transfer window: “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.”

Meanwhile, Ten Hag has secured his future at Manchester United, with an extended contract handed to him this summer, but there’s no ignoring the issue at left-back.

The 54-year-old found himself short on reinforcements at left-back last season, with right-sided Diogo Dalot forced to fill in due to Luke Shaw’s injury issues and Tyrell Malacia’s unavailability. It also helps that Kadioglu can play further upfield, where Marcus Rashford’s inconsistencies left a lot to be desired last term.

Arsenal are still in their own hunt for a left-back this summer. With Oleksandr Zinchenko potentially leaving the Emirates Stadium, the Gunners will need to find a replacement if his £38million price tag is met.

Regardless of whether Zinchenko stays or goes, Jurrien Timber will require competition, leading Arsenal to consider increasing their initial £18million offer for Kadioglu, as reported by Turkish media outlet Ajansspor.

Early indications suggest Kadioglu would favour a move to the Premier League over joining Dortmund. And that has the potential to set the stage for a showdown between two historic red rivals for his signature.