Ankara Keciorengucu president Sedat Tahiroglu believes Arsenal are now interested in rivalling Liverpool for the transfer of a Euro 2024 ace due to be ‘the face’ of his nation.
Germany has seen an array of players emerge on the continental stage during this summer’s UEFA tournament. A flurry of breakout stars at Euro 2024 have even seen themselves linked with a transfer to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta chases their final pieces of his title-winning puzzle.
Arteta is keen for Arsenal to strengthen his ranks across the field at Emirates Stadium with a raft of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and attackers linked with moves to north London. Yet his side had the best defence and second-most goals in the Premier League last season.
Arsenal are rivalling Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund for Baris Alper Yilmaz
Ankara Keciorengucu president Tahiroglu has even now claimed that one player on Arsenal’s radar is Galatasaray and Turkey forward Baris Alper Yilmaz. But the Gunners are not alone in admiring the 24-year-old, who started all five of his country’s ties at Euro 2024 this summer.
Yilmaz has also taken Liverpool’s attention and Tahiroglu is convinced that Nuri Sahin wants him at Borussia Dortmund after replacing Edin Terzic in charge. The attacker can offer any of his suitors a versatile threat, having thrived on both wings and also as a full-back at Cimbom.
READ MORE: Arsenal 24/25 confirmed signings, transfers in and out, loan exits and releases
Tahiroglu is a huge believer in what Yilmaz can achieve at the right club, too, after his Ankara Keciorengucu club sold the 20-cap talent to Galatasaray in 2021. But the Turkish second-tier side retain 20% of any future transfer fee, which Tahiroglu doubts will reach €50m (£42.5m).
Speaking with Aksam, Tahiroglu said: “We have 20 per cent of Baris Alper Yilmaz’s share but Galatasaray have not requested a meeting with us on this issue.
“I hear Liverpool and Arsenal want him but I know Nuri Sahin definitely wants him. I don’t think the price will be €50m (£42.5m). He can be sold for around €30m (£25m).
“The path needs to be paved for young people for Turkish football. Hopefully, he will make a decision that is good for him. The money is not important. The important thing is for Baris Alper to go to a team where he will be successful because he will be the face of Turkey.”
Arsenal scouted Turkey star Baris Alper Yilmaz for Galatasaray last season
Tahiroglu has a reason to believe Arteta is interested in a transfer as Burhan Can Terzi said in February that Arsenal scouted Yilmaz as Galatasaray met Istanbul Basaksehir. The Rize-born right winger even scored in the Super Lig fixture to break the deadlock with a left-footed hit.
It was one of Yilmaz’s six goals in the Super Lig last season over 37 appearances, which also returned seven assists. He even finished the term with seven goals plus 12 assists across all competitions in 55 games. Those efforts also came from across the park as a versatile gem.
READ MORE: Arsenal pre-season tour 2024 – destination, fixtures, how to watch and more
Now, Arsenal appear to be considering advancing their interest in Yilmaz’s transfer after also starring at Euro 2024. He helped Turkey into the quarter-final and started in all five matches in Germany, including in four as a centre-forward. Yilmaz even played every possible minute.
Arsenal chase Riccardo Calafiori and a mystery German target as England face Switzerland
In this week’s episode of The Arsenal Insider Podcast, Will Jones and Rahul Lakhani debated England’s recent victory against Slovakia at Euro 2024. Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka featured for the Three Lions again, while Kyle Walker of Man City came under scrutiny.
With Arsenal linked to Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, the pair explained why the Italy star may be a perfect fit for Mikel Arteta. Recent social media rumours concerning a possible Arsenal swoop for a Germany International were addressed, with some candidates named.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
