Arsenal’s search for defensive talent leads them to Fenerbahçe’s Ferdi Kadioglu, with the club’s chief scout personally scouting the versatile full-back.

ISTANBUL, TURKEY - JUNE 4: Ferdi Kadioglu of Fenerbahce runs with the ball during the Super Lig match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce at NEF Stadyumu on June 4, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)
ISTANBUL, TURKEY – JUNE 4: Ferdi Kadioglu of Fenerbahce runs with the ball during the Super Lig match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce at NEF Stadyumu on June 4, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. (Photo by Ahmad Mora/Getty Images)

Arsenal’s chief scout sets sights on Fenerbahçe‘s Ferdi Kadioglu

Arsenal have reportedly shown a keen interest in Fenerbahçe‘s versatile full-back Ferdi Kadioglu, placing the player squarely in their crosshairs.

The 23-year-old Dutch-born Turk, who transitioned from an attacking midfielder to an attacking left-back with considerable success at Fenerbahçe, has caught the attention of the North London club’s scouting network.

Kadioglu, who has been an important figure for the Turkish giants since his €1.4 million move from NEC in 2018, has amassed 164 appearances since his arrival. His performances have solidified his place in the starting eleven and led to a contract extension last year, securing his services until the summer of 2026.

Croatia's defender #03 Borna Barisic fights for the ball with Turkey's defender #20 Ferdi Kadioglu during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group D qualification football match between Croatia and Turkey at the OPUS Arena Stadium in Osijek, on October 12, 2023. (Photo by DENIS LOVROVIC/AFP via Getty Images)
Croatia’s defender #03 Borna Barisic fights for the ball with Turkey’s defender #20 Ferdi Kadioglu during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group D qualification football match between Croatia and Turkey at the OPUS Arena Stadium in Osijek, on October 12, 2023. (Photo by DENIS LOVROVIC/AFP via Getty Images)

Despite his long-term commitment to Fenerbahçe, the presence of Arsenal‘s chief scout Romain Poirot at the recent match between Fenerbahçe and Trabzonspor, which ended 2-3, has fuelled speculation.

Turkish media reports suggest that Poirot was impressed by Kadioglu’s capabilities, prompting a positive recommendation to Arsenal‘s management.

With the January transfer window on the horizon, it’s reported that if Arsenal wish to secure Kadioglu’s signature, the club will need to present a significant offer.

According to FootballTransfers, the full-back’s Expected Transfer Value stands at €12.9 million, a figure that’s projected to rise if Fenerbahçe continues to contest for the domestic title and a spot in the Champions League.