Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Fenerbahce defender Ferdi Kadioglu this summer.
The 24-year-old is currently on international duty in Germany at Euro 2024 as a key member of Turkey, who are gunning for a first-ever continental triumph.
Nailing a spot in Vincenzo Montella's preferred XI, Kadioglu started all three of his country's Group F fixtures, including a dramatic and fiesty 2-1 success over the Czech Republic on Wednesday night, when Narodak were dumped out of the competition.
Focusing on club football, the former Dutch youth international was first choice on the left side of Fenerbahce's backline during 2023-24, featuring in 51 matches for the Yellow Canaries across all competitions.
A return of one goal and four assists was respectable from Kadioglu in the Super Lig, however the full-back was unable to help his employers to title supremacy, with the Turkish giants finishing three points behind first-placed Galatasaray.
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Man United, Arsenal 'scouting' Fenerbahce man Kadioglu
With one of football's biggest tournaments ongoing in Germany, a host of top European outfits have been keeping a close eye on the progress of Kadioglu, according to news outlet Turkish football.
The report states that both Man United and Arsenal had scouts in attendance at Turkey's final group game of the competition at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg, where the Crescent-Stars booked their spot in the last 16 with a win.
Although neither the Red Devils or Gunners have submitted a formal offer to Fenerbahce yet, it is believed that a bidding war could commence soon for the exciting defender.
As well as a potential Premier League switch, Bundesliga powerhouses Borussia Dortmund are also said to be keen on a move for Kadioglu, with a view of improving their defence to challenge the likes of Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich for the German crown next season.
It is believed that Nuri Sahin's side are set to make an initial offer for the 24-year-old, who is rated by current club Fenerbahce at €30m (£25.4m).
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Arsenal's solution at left-back?
During the group stage of this summer's European Championship, Arsenal-linked Kadioglu created 10 chances for Turkey, with only Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne and Denmark's Christian Eriksen bettering the Fenerbahce man in that particular metric.
Coupled with the 24-year-old's ability to also operate on the right flank, it is not a surprise that Mikel Arteta is keen on bringing the talent to the Emirates this summer.
As well as a need for quality additions to Arsenal's backline, there is also a growing necessity for depth at left-back, with the future of Kieran Tierney currently unclear.
Oleksandr Zinchenko shared responsibility in that position with the likes of Takehiro Tomiyasu last season, however it appears that Arteta could be heading down a different route for the 2024-25 campaign.
Carter White
