Premier League heavyweights Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing 24-year-old Turkish international Baris Alper Yilmaz from Galatasaray this summer.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Baris Alper Yilmaz is the subject of interest from Arsenal. The Gunners are scouring the market for a productive wide attacker in the summer transfer window and have set their sights on the Turkish international. Meanwhile, Galatasaray will demand around €50 million to part ways with him.
The rise of Baris Alper Yilmaz
Baris Alper Yilmaz has gone from strength to strength since joining Galatasaray from Ankara Keciörengücü in July 2021. A native of Rize, the Turk spent his formative years in his hometown, progressing through the ranks at Rize Özel Idare Spor before graduating from the club’s youth division.
However, the 24-year-old has risen in prominence during his stint with Galatasaray thus far. Yilmaz was top-notch in the 2023/24 season, amassing nearly 3,500 minutes of game time across 55 appearances in all competitions while contributing to 19 goals by finding the back of the net seven times and providing 12 assists.
In addition, the Turkish international was excellent for his national side at UEFA Euro 2024, even though he did not score a goal or provide an assist. Meanwhile, Baris Alper Yilmaz’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Premier League bigwigs, in particular, are interested, with Arsenal among the prospective suitors.
Arsenal join Yilmaz chase
Arsenal’s interest in Baris Alper Yilmaz is understandable. Mikel Arteta is urging the North London club to build a squad with two top-class options for every position, with the offensive department requiring a few reinforcements. As for the wide attacking berths, Pedro Neto is among the targets for Arsenal.
However, Yilmaz is also a viable target for the North London club. The Gunners have closely monitored the Turkish international in the last few months and might launch the offensive to sign him soon. However, the 24-year-old will not come cheap, with Galatasaray demanding around €50 million to part ways with him in the summer transfer window.
€50 million might be an excessive valuation to secure Baris Alper Yilmaz’s services. However, the Turk has the potential to justify the outlay. But it will be interesting to see if Arsenal will pay a hefty sum to land him in the summer transfer window.
