Arsenal are now among the clubs interested in signing Galatasaray winger Kerem Akturkoglu, but they will face competition from Tottenham Hotspur.
The 24-year-old is a right-footed left-winger who can also play on the right, and given recent links to Wolves star Pedro Neto, he may be viewed as an alternative option to strengthen Arsenal’s attacking depth.
The Turkey International has been decisive in the final third for his club, with 34 goals and 37 assists in 135 appearances for his club, both domestically and in Europe.
Arsenal want Akturkoglu
A report from Turkish outlet Aksam has now claimed that Arsenal, as well as Spurs and Manchester United, are keen on signing the winger from Galatasaray.
“It is expected that there will be important negotiations during the halftime for Kerem Aktürkoğlu, for whom Arsenal is also seriously interested,” the report stated.
“There are great expectations from Aktürkoğlu, who the management will improve his salary and offer a new contract.”
What could he bring to Arsenal?
The £23k-per-week star may be viewed as a cheaper alternative to Neto, as someone who can cover both Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, whilst also increasing Arsenal’s firepower.
He scored at Old Trafford in Galatasaray’s recent victory over Man United, which was his first goal in the Champions League on what was his second appearance.
It is unclear what kind of fee would be needed to land Akturkoglu, but given the clubs interested in him, he may be viewed as someone who Arsenal would like to sign, and would also not like to see thrive at Spurs or Man United.
If Arsenal cannot land Neto and the Turkish International becomes available in January, it will be interesting to see whether Mikel Arteta chooses to push for the Galatasaray star.
Gabriel Martinelli’s recent injury made it apparent that Arsenal need more pace in the squad, and Akturkoglu could be a left-field solution.
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