Arsenal have reported to be looking for a full back. Their plan involves signing a left back as a potential replacement for Oleksandr Zinchenko. Recent reports say that Arsenal are now very close to sign Turkish full back.
From the day of arrival, Zinchenko has been the first choice as Arsenal left back. The ukrainian international did a pretty decent job but recently have failed to achieve his best. Starting only one of the last four matches Zinchenko seems to lose his place as a regular starter. Mikel Arteta has been using Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu as left backs. However the club has decided to go for another natural left back and may even sacrifice Kiwior too. Kieran Tierney who is another option as left back for Arsenal is currently on loan move to Spain. Tierney is believed almost to be sold. Recent reports have linked Ferdi Kadioglu with Arsenal.
How close is Arsenal to Turkish full back
It has been believed that Ferdi Kadioglu could join the Premier league side this summer. The gunners are currently having discussions with Kadioglu’s agent. However Arsenal have not yet had any talks with Fenerbahçe over the deal.
Arsenal’s first approach is to agree on personal terms with the full back before making contact with Fenerbahçe. According to Transfermarkt, current market value of Kadioglu is €20 million. However Fenerbahçe will demand around €25 million for the Turkish full back.
Ferdi Kadioglu’s nationality and style of play
Kadioglu was born in Netherlands. He was born to Turkish father and Dutch Canadian mother. This made Kadioglu eligible to play for any of the three countries. Growing up Kadioglu represented Dutch youth team on various level. However he didn’t made international debut for Netherlands senior team. In January 2022, Kadioglu chose to represent Turkey and made his international debut for Turkey in June 2022.
Ferdi Kadioglu has been a regular starter for Fenerbahçe this season. In this season, Kadioglu has made 35 appearances in Süper Lig. He has scored scored 1 goal and also assisted 4 times in those 35 matches. He has played 49 games this season across all competitions and managed to score 3 goals and provide 5 assists.
Kadioglu generally plays as a left back but is adaptable to play as defensive midfielder and right back too. This versatility makes him highly efficient and crucial for both club and country. Arsenal will like to use this adaptability of Turkish international.
How Kadioglu adapted as left back
Ferdi started his career as attacking midfielder at NEC Nijmegen. He was praised for his ability to create space and move forward to attack. Fenerbahçe approached young Ferdi and brought him to Turkey. Ferdi however didn’t receive a lot of chance in his preferred position at Fenerbahçe. This caused Ferdi to adapt as a left wing back in 2021/22 season. After that he was developed and played as traditional left full back by Fenerbahçe. Ferdi even played as a right back in most of the 2022/23 season and now again in 2023/24 season is playing as a left back. This can show how comfortable Ferdi is at any position.
Playing as a attacking midfielder, Ferdi can also use those skills as a full back. His ability to control ball in tight spaces, dribble and pick key passes makes him threat for opposition. Along with attacking skills Ferdi also has strong defensive skills and technique. He can win the duels and make important interceptions and tackles making him one of the best defenders in the league. Defending firmly along moving forward creating chances and helping in attack is what makes Turkish defender a top target for big clubs like Arsenal. It will be pleasure to watch 24 year old defender starting in Premier League if he arrives at North London.
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