Report: Arsenal rival Spurs for Zeki Celik transfer

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Arsenal have joined Spurs in the race to sign Zeki Celik, with the Evening Standard reporting that the Gunners are considering potential replacements for Hector Bellerin during the summer transfer window.

The Evening Standard notes that Bellerin is looking set to leave the Emirates in this window. He has struggled this season.

It is claimed that Real Betis want the 26-year-old. However, there are concerns about whether Manuel Pellegrini’s men will able to fund a deal.

It was recently claimed that they were eyeing a loan move.

Many Arsenal fans were impressed by Calum Chambers at the backend of this past season. The club also have Cedric Soares in their ranks.

However, it appears that the Gunners are looking elsewhere in case Bellerin does move on.

The Evening Standard reports that they are monitoring Celik. He is also on the radars of both Spurs and Manchester United.

The report claims that he is expected to move this summer. Lille apparently want £13 million for the Turkey international.

Arsenal are also considering Max Aarons. Interestingly, the Evening Standard claims that Norwich are also monitoring Celik.

One Arsenal player may be particularly keen to see Gunners beat Spurs to Celik transfer

Celik has been a superb performer for the Ligue 1 title-winners over the last few years.

He is one of several inspired buys made by Luis Campos during his time as sporting director.

And there may be one member of the Arsenal side who would be particularly keen to see him move to North London.

Nicolas Pepe spent a year playing alongside the 24-year-old before his £72 million Gunners switch.

The pair seemed to strike up an impressive partnership down Lille’s right flank. Celik ended that campaign with five assists from right-back.

Pepe was arguably Arsenal’s best player in the final weeks of the campaign. He scored five goals in the final three games.

It may have been the first time he looked capable of living up to his price-tag over a prolonged period. He reached double figures for league goals for the first time since his switch.

So a reunion with Celik could be an extremely exciting prospect for Arsenal fans.