Arsenal are scouting Fenerbahce defender Ferdi Kadioglu ahead of the January transfer window as Mikel Arteta seeks defensive depth.
According to Yagiz Sabuncuoglu, Arsenal International Scout Chief Romain Poirot reportedly watched Ferdi Kadioglu in action recently and has given a favourable report back to the club. The versatile 24-year-old Turkish defender perfectly suits what Mikel Arteta wants as he looks to improve their defensive depth.
Mikel Arteta and Edu Gaspar had intricately designed Arsenal’s summer transfer plans and executed them without any hinge. The only problem with their recruitment was the importance placed on certain players, as the manager saw them fit into the system like a glove to a hand.
The signing of Jurrien Timber placed perfect emphasis on that fact, as the Dutchman seamlessly slotted into the team and looked at home. Unfortunately for the former Ajax man, a severe knee injury in the first game of the season derailed his momentum, and now he is in line to miss several months of action, even the entire season.
In addition, Arsenal agreed to send Kieran Tierney on loan, which has appeared to weaken their defence. Moreover, there have been a few concerns with the fitness of Takehiro Tomiyasu and Oleksandr Zinchenko in the past. Still, so far, the duo have made themselves available for large parts.
Hence, heading into the January window, Arteta might look to address the defensive depth issues and maybe add a versatile defender to their ranks. Galatasaray’s Sacha Boey remains a target, but now Fenerbahce’s Ferdi Kadioglu emerges as a target for the Gunners.
The 24-year-old Turkish defender has an exciting profile and may suit Arteta’s style. The Fenerbahce star is a left-back by trade but is right-footed. Timber played a similar role in those early games for the club. Moreover, signing someone of his ilk would push the likes of Jakub Kiwior more in a central role, with Arsenal uninterested in selling the Pole in January.
Turkish journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu has now suggested that Arsenal International Scout Chief Romain Poirot reportedly watched Kadioglu in action recently in a game against Trabzonspor. The observer returned with a positive report on the 24-year-old Turkish defender, which could spark rumours of a possible approach ahead of January.
Arsenal are also looking at midfielders and even a striker in the next window. But signing a versatile defender will be equally crucial for Arteta. Hence, signing someone like Kadioglu will make sense for the Gunners, but everything will depend on the asking price and other things.
