Silly season is here, but this rumour may have legs.
In recent days, Turkish sources have indicated that Arsenal have set their sights on Ferdi Kadioglu, a versatile player who could prove to be a valuable addition to the Gunners’ squad. Further reports suggest Arsenal reps will fly to Turkey next week to try and seal a deal.
This interest in Kadioglu comes at a crucial time, with Arsenal also prioritising the acquisition of a left-back, according to John Cross of The Mirror. Let’s delve into this intriguing development and explore how Kadioglu could bolster Mikel Arteta’s injury-hit squad for the second half of the season.
Ferdi Kadioglu is primarily known as an inverted left-back but possesses the flexibility to excel in several positions, including midfield and right-back. This versatility is an attractive proposition for Arteta, who has been grappling with injuries and inconsistent performances of his left back options throughout the season. Kadioglu’s ability to adapt to various roles on the pitch could prove crucial as Arsenal search for solutions on a limited winter budget.
Arsenal’s interest in Kadioglu is not a spur-of-the-moment decision. The club has been monitoring the player for some time, suggesting a strategic approach to their transfer dealings. The recent injury setbacks to key players have added urgency to their pursuit of the talent.
Oleksandr Zinchenko’s latest injury has left the Gunners with a void to fill in that role. While Jakub Kiwior has shown glimpses of promise, he has struggled to perform consistently at the level required when deployed as a left back. Furthermore, Takehiro Tomiyasu’s unavailability due to his commitments at the Asia Cup exacerbates the situation.
Kadioglu’s proficiency as an inverted left-back makes him a potential solution to this problem. His adaptability and tactical understanding could provide the much-needed stability in Arsenal’s defence. With Arteta’s tactical demands often calling for full-backs to contribute offensively, Kadioglu’s ability to join the attack could make him a valuable asset in Arsenal’s system.
Moreover, Kadioglu’s versatility extends beyond the left-back position. In the midfield, Arsenal has been grappling with a congested fixture list and limited options due to injuries. Mohammed Elneny, who has seen limited minutes, could leave the club this month. Kadioglu’s ability to cover for Elneny and provide fresh legs in midfield could be a strategic move by Arsenal, especially in the busy second half of the season.
The fee is unknown at this stage, but transfermarkt suggests his value is around £17million.
While the transfer market is always filled with uncertainties, Arsenal’s interest in Kadioglu appears to be well-founded. The Turkish player’s versatility and potential to bolster multiple areas of the squad align with Arteta’s vision for the team. As the transfer window unfolds, Arsenal fans will be eagerly watching to see if this interest materializes into a significant signing, which could help revive the club’s fortunes in the second half of the season.