Arsenal face major competition for Euro 2024 star - Romano

Cameron Smith

• 21 Jun 2024 11:00 BST
• 3 min read

Borussia Dortmund have entered the race to sign Arsenal target Ferdi Kadioglu, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The 24-year-old has been on the Gunners’ radar for several months and his performances at the 2024 European Championship for Turkey have alerted Dortmund following their failure to land Ian Maatsen.

The Dutchman spent the second half of last season on loan at the Signal Iduna Park, but is now set to join Aston Villa on a permanent deal, despite Dortmund’s desire to sign him.

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Unai Emery’s side have agreed a fee with Chelsea and are now locked in negotiations with Maatsen’s camp as they look to finalise the deal.

With Maatsen off the table, Dortmund have quickly turned their attention to Kadioglu, according to Romano.

Nuri Sahin, Dortmund’s new head coach, is reportedly pushing to sign his countryman, while talks have already taken place with Kadioglu’s representatives.

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In May, Turkish media reported that Kadioglu’s move to Arsenal was almost done. However, that doesn’t appear to be the case, with Dortmund now interested in acquiring his services.

Ferdi Kadioglu to leave Fenerbahce?

Kadioglu has two years left on his current Fenerbahce contract and a summer exit is certainly plausible given transfer interest from both Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund.

The 24-year-old made 51 appearances in all competitions last season, contributing one goal and four assists in the Super Lig as Fenerbahce finished second in the table, three points behind champions Galatasaray.

Kadioglu, a right-footed left-back, played the entire 90 minutes during Turkey’s opening Euro 2024 group stage match - a 3-1 win over Georgia.

He shone during the game, making four key passes, three tackles, two interceptions and creating one big chance. Kadioglu was a constant threat down Turkey’s left flank and his performance will have no doubt impressed both Arsenal and Dortmund scouts.