Arsenal to knock on door of table-topping overseas club for their £25m full-back

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Arsenal have reportedly decided to make an approach for Fenerbahce’s Ferdi Kadioglu.

The Gunners could really do with bolstering their full-back ranks in the January transfer window.

Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior have both disappointed for Arsenal at left-back, while Takehiro Tomiyasu is away at the Asian Cup.

Now, according to Turkish outlet Sabah, the Gunners have decided that they will knock on Fenerbahce’s door for their talented full-back.

Arsenal representatives will head to Istanbul to discuss a potential transfer, with Fenerbahce reportedly slapping a €30million (£25million) price tag on Kadioglu.

Although Fener don’t want to lose one of their key stars mid-season, the Gunners’ interest and financial muscle could prove too much for club and player to resist.

The 24-year-old has been impressing for the Turkish giants, registering 24 appearances, two goals and three assists in all competitions for the Super Lig table-toppers.

Kadioglu’s all-time Fener record reads 172 appearances, 16 goals and 20 assists. He has also won 15 caps for Turkey, registering one goal for his nation.

Arsenal eyeing ‘extremely skilled’ Ferdi Kadioglu

Several years ago, PFSA wrote a scouting report on the purported Arsenal target, then said to be on the radar of Derby County and at the time mostly playing as a winger.

They labelled Kadioglu an ‘extremely skilled operator with the ball at his feet’ with ‘Velcro like ball control, usually immaculate first touch and ingenuity to beat his man.’

‘Possessing a wicked turn of speed and able to change direction rapidly, this in combination with his sharp feints, shimmies, shoulder drops, shot fakes and nutmegs, ensure he’s a menace to handle 1v1,’ they added.

‘Due to the above, plus his low centre of gravity and decent strength, this means he wins many fouls in dangerous areas and can be hard to push off the ball.

‘Very comfortable on the ball and with opponents knowing his skill, he regularly draws multiple opponents that can crucially open up space upfield for teammates to explore.’

At present, Kadioglu is mostly playing as a full-back for Fener, but his time at the club has also seen him play on the wings and even as a No. 10.

All in all, he looks like a good shout for Arsenal. He’s experienced yet young, has a high ceiling, and could be available for a fairly modest fee.