Arsenal to battle Tottenham for Galatasaray winger

Updated: July 25, 2022 at 8:15 pm GMT+1

Arsenal have been linked with a move for a new left-winger ahead of the summer transfer window.

After the respective emergences of Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard as key players, the need for fresh attacking midfielders at the Emirates certainly appeared to have been lessened.

However, now that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has moved on, Arsenal could probably do with another left-winger.

Gabriel Martinelli is a natural in that spot, but if the Gunners are in Europe next season, they will, without doubt, need further options in the attacking third.

Could that man be Kerem Akturkoglu? Football.london have cited reports that link Arsenal with the winger, stating that both they and rivals Tottenham are among the clubs interested in signing the Galatasaray star.

After Spanish giants Atletico Madrid and French equivalents Lyon sent scouts to follow the 23-year-old across matches against Besiktas and Barcelona, the two north London clubs have since also entered the race as suitors.

Arsenal and Spurs' interest has been all but confirmed by Galatasaray executive Isitan Gun, who recently had the following to say: "Kerem Akturkoglu had a very good season last year and is one of our best players this season.

“It's too early, but two Premier League teams and some La Liga teams have already expressed their interest in Kerem Akturkoglu."

Who is Kerem Akturkoglu?

Akturkoglu would join current side Galatasaray on a free transfer in 2020.

The Turkish international, who is under contract until 2026, has since scored 17 and assisted 12 in 73 outings for the Super Lig powerhouse.

And whilst Akturkoglu is a left-winger by trade, he is also fairly versatile, and can play on the right or through the middle. Could he be the man to support Gabriel Martinelli at Arsenal?

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