Arsenal have added 22-year-old French defender Sacha Boey to their shortlist, with Crystal Palace also keen on the Galatasaray star.
According to Foto Mac, Sacha Boey emerged on Arsenal’s shortlist of right-backs ahead of the summer window. The 22-year-old French defender will leave Galatasaray when the season ends and has no shortage of interest from clubs, with Crystal Palace also keen.
Sacha Boey has become one of the top names in the Turkish SuperLig this season, owing to some impressive displays with Galatasaray. The 22-year-old French defender has helped the club remain top of the table as they are favourites to clinch the domestic title.
For his efforts, Boey has a single goal and three assists in 28 games for the club this season. He could end his time in Turkey for a bigger challenge in the summer, as the 22-year-old French defender could leave Galatasaray.
Premier League side Crystal Palace were reportedly interested last summer. They could not make the move for various reasons. The Eagles retain an interest in the full-back. The London side are keen to bolster their defence with a different player than they currently have.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka remains a key target for Palace, but signing their former star could prove complicated, especially if other rivals are chasing. While he could leave Manchester United, they will not allow his exit before a replacement comes in.
The big problem for Crystal Palace in the chase for the 22-year-old French defender would come from the interest of Arsenal in Boey. In market circles, Mikel Arteta wanting to sign a new right-back is no secret. The injury issues with Takehiro Tomiyasu has rendered the Japanese star unavailable for some crucial games. The pattern has continued for two seasons in a row, which has affected the team in important phases.
Moreover, Arteta wants someone who could compete with Ben White and provide a different style to the system. Boey emerged as a part of a very competitive shortlist, with Arsenal looking at many other options. One of them is RB Leipzig’s Mohamed Simakan, with the Frenchman offering more of a versatile character than anyone else.
Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda also features here, but any decision will depend on Arteta’s profile requirement for his progressive side. Boey has only played in the typical full-back role, but his potential price tag of €15 million, including add-ons, could tempt the Gunners.
For instance, Leipzig will demand a considerable fee for Simakan, while Fresneda could cost around €20 million. By that logic, Boey will come at a much cheaper price. However, there are questions about whether he fits into Arteta’s requirements. For that reason and playing regularly, Palace may have the upper hand.
