- 8 hours ago
Who is Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu? The Turkish winger wanted by Arsenal and Tottenham
Turkish winger Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu is set to be in the middle of a transfer battle between North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham this summer.
Both Arsenal and Spurs will be looking for attacking reinforcements in the summer transfer window, and have identified the 23-year-old as a potential target, having become impressed with his performances for Galatasaray.
He is developing quite the reputation for himself, but what kind of player is Akturkoglu?
FOOTBALLTRANSFERS' MOST VALUABLE PLAYERS IN THE WORLD
What position does Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu play in?
Akturkoglu plays as a winger on the left-hand side. He can play on the left of a 4-2-3-1 or the left of a 4-3-3.
How good is Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu?
Akturkoglu is a product of Basaksehir's youth academy. He spent periods with Bodrumspor, Karacabey and 24 Erzincanspor before joining Galatasaray in 2020.
He made his professional debut for the club in November of 2020 in a league fixture against Kayserispor.
Akturkoglu is deployed on the left wing, but he has a unique ability to be able to go beyond players using both his left and right foot. He can barge down the wing to whip a cross in, or cut inside to get a shot away.
He may be 5ft 8in, but he has a low centre of gravity and is absolutely rapid when he gets going on a dribble.
Though this is perhaps an unfair comparison, when he dribbles at speed it evoked memories of a young Lionel Messi.
In the 2021/22 campaign, he has scored 11 goals and recorded seven assists in all competitions.
What clubs are interested in Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu?
According to Turkish outlet Aksam, there are numerous clubs interested in signing Akturkoglu.
Arsenal and Tottenham are the two latest clubs to have recorded an interest.
But prior to that, Lyon Atletico Madrid and Wolfsburg were mentioned as potential destinations.
In the January transfer window, Wolfsburg bid around €14 million for the winger, but Galatasaray rejected it, and will hold out for €20m in the summer.
When does Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu's contract expire?
Akturkoglu's Galatasaray contract expires in 2026.
How old is Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu?
Akturkoglu was born on 21 October 1998. He is 23.
What is Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu's height?
Akturkoglu is 5ft 8in, or around 173cm.
What is Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu's weight?
Akturkoglu weighs 68 kilograms, or around 10 stone.
What football boots does Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu wear?
Akturkoglu wears Nike Phantom GT Elite 2 soccer cleats in 2021-2022.
What is Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu's Instagram?
Akturkoglu's Instagram has 964k followers as of April 2022.
Who is Muhammed Kerem Akturkoglu's girlfriend?
Akturkoglu is not currently dating anyone publicly.