Arsenal have won the race to sign Fenerbahce defender Ferdi Kadioglu this summer, according to Turkish reporter Devrim Zengi.
The Gunners currently have Oleksandr Zinchenko, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jakub Kiwior as their regular left-back choices under manager Mikel Arteta.
None of the trio have been consistent over the course of the campaign and the hierarchy could pursue a new option during the summer.
It was recently reported that Arsenal will knock on the door of Fenerbahce with a formal offer for Kadioglu at the end of the season.
Zengi now reveals that he recently met with the player’s father and believes the talented left-back has agreed to move to the Gunners.
He was quoted as saying by Karar: “Ferdi Kadioglu had a meeting with Arsenal, Ferdi shook hands.”
“But from the questions I asked and the answers I received, I understood that Ferdi Kadioglu agreed with the Premier League giant Arsenal.”
KADIOGLU’S ARRIVAL AT ARSENAL COULD LEAD TO ZINCHENKO’S EXIT
Arsenal have plenty of options for the left-back position including Jurrien Timber.
Timber started from left-back during the Premier League curtain-raiser, but he unfortunately picked up a serious knee injury shortly after the interval.
The Dutchman has made good progress in his recovery and he could make the matchday squad during Saturday’s league game against Bournemouth.
Regardless of this, Arteta may want to add more quality in the left-back department where he has struggled to find a consistent performer this term.
In our view, the arrival of Kadioglu could pave the way for the departure of Zinchenko.
Tomiyasu, who has started the last two games for the Gunners, is unlikely to head for the exit door, having penned a new contract only two months ago.
Meanwhile, Kiwior is currently the immediate back-up in the central defensive department.
The same goes for Timber who can play anywhere in the backline. The Dutchman will be eager to prove himself with an injury-free campaign next season.
Hence, Zinchenko, valued at €42 million by Transfermarkt, seems the most likely candidate to leave the club.
Kadioglu is a right-footed left-back who has caught the eye with his all-round contributions.
He has registered three goals and five assists this season, but has also impressed with two tackles, 6.7 ball recoveries and 1.6 clearances per appearance.
The 24-year-old has also won six duels per outing. He could provide the right balance between attack and defence just like Ben White from right-back.
