Arsenal have several players in fine form at Euro 2024 in Germany but one potential transfer target has topped a key metric, leading both Declan Rice and Granit Xhaka after Edu’s first approach was knocked back.
The Gunners have had a quiet start to the summer transfer window, but Arteta’s plans to bolster the squad have become clearer in recent days with some squad members returning to an early pre-season training camp in Marbella.
Reports in Italy have suggested that Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Riccardo Calafiori in a move that looks a matter of ‘when’ and not ‘if’.
The Italian international impressed at Euro 2024 this summer and would give the left side of the Arsenal defence a new dimension with outgoings in that area also in the works.
With uncertainty surrounding the futures of Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior, it is thought that Mikel Arteta wants to add some versatility in his defence.
An approach for an ‘absolute star’ left-back target earlier in the window was also unsuccessful. But Arteta might be tempted to make an improved offer having seen Ferdi Kadioglu’s exploits for his country.
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Arsenal target Ferdi Kadioglu tops Euro 2024 defensive charts
Many Arsenal fans will have been watching Kadioglu closely as Turkey advanced to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024, and so were Edu and his scouts. The talent spotters at Arsenal will also have been enthused with the performances of Arda Guler, having tracked the player before.
Arsenal’s first approach of £17 million for the defender was rebuffed before Kadioglu’s father claimed that the defender had already ‘agreed’ to join Arsenal.
Fenerbahce left-back Kadioglu has also attracted interest from the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Newcastle. But the club’s president Ali Koc is demanding as much as €35m (£30m), according to Turkish media outlet Milat Gazetesi.
Known for his versatility and on-ball ability, it’s his tackling that has come to the fore this summer, sharing the lead with Arsenal target Jules Kounde at the top of the charts with 18 tackles. Declan Rice currently has 16 at the time of writing.
Interestingly, he also has two more tackles in the midfield third than Rice has registered, according to FBref. Even though the Turkish international is primarily a left-back, in true Arteta style, he’s well-versed in a wing-back role picking up pockets in the middle, as we have seen Zinchenko do.
Kadioglu is also ranked fifth for interceptions with seven, just one behind Bayern Munich-bound Joao Palhinha.
Ferdi Kadioglu hailed by Lee Dixon after Turkey performance
As a pundit on ITV’s coverage, Arsenal legend Lee Dixon weighed in with how impressed he was with Kadioglou after watching the 24-year-old shine for Turkey against the Netherlands.
“Looks an absolute star doesn’t he tonight? I think that wing-back role really suits him as well,” he said about the breakout star.
High praise from the former Arsenal defender and it’s a move that seems possible, despite Arsenal’s £17 million bid being far from the club’s valuation of the player.
The potential acquisitions of Kadioglu and Calafiori underline a clear plan from Arteta, offering youthful, flexible and versatile options ahead of the quest for the elusive Premier League title.
Jose Mourinho may opt to do his best to keep Kadioglu, but it seems unlikely Arteta will give up on his man easily.
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