Report: Arsenal pencil in negotiations for £17m forward who’s a ‘very instinctive finisher’

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Arsenal have reportedly pencilled in negotiations with Galatasaray over Kerem Akturkoglu.

Turkish outlet Star Gazetesi claims the Gunners have ‘finally stepped in’ and joined the race for the 23-year-old.

The outlet, via Sport Witness, claims Arsenal have ‘opened the purse strings’ ahead of talks.

Mikel Arteta’s charges will reportedly ‘start negotiations’ with Galatasaray at the end of this season.

As well as Arsenal, the likes of Tottenham, Lyon, Atletico Madrid and Wolfsburg are apparently eyeing Akturkoglu too.

Star Gazetesi suggests Gala want a fee of around €20million (around £17million) for their attacking talent.

Akturkoglu, who can play across the front line, has enjoyed a good season for Galatasaray.

He has registered 11 goals and 10 assists from 46 outings in all competitions.

Akturkoglu joined from 24 Erzincanspor in September 2020 after a staggering 20 goals in 34 outings.

He also boasts a decent goal ratio for Turkey – three goals from 10 senior caps.

Akturkoglu’s primary position is on the left flank, a position Arsenal could potentially do with bolstering.

There has been talk of Gabriel Martinelli potentially being turned into a centre-forward.

Last summer, Breaking the Lines named Akturkoglu as one of the Superlig young players to watch out for this season.

“In terms of Kerem’s qualities, he is a very instinctive finisher,” they wrote.

“Many of his goals and chances are first time shots taken after very intelligent runs.”