Man Utd 'join Arsenal & Tottenham in race to sign Lille right-back Zeki Celik'

  /  autty

Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are all vying for the signature of Lille right-back Zeki Celik, according to reports.

The 24-year-old made 35 appearances for the French side across all competitions in 2020-21 as they went on to win Ligue 1 for the sixth time in their history.

The Turkey international is valued at around £13million (€15m) and The Evening Standard claim United and the two north London sides are interested, with Celik set to move this summer.

Celik has two years left on his deal at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, but the report adds he would entertain approaches made by any of three Premier League sides, while there is also reportedly interest in Europe too, most notably from Inter Milan.

The report adds the Serie A champions - still reeling from the departure of boss Antonio Conte -  fear current right-back Achraf Hakimi could leave for Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

Reports have suggested United want to increase the competition for first-choice right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Old Trafford, with The Athletic also linking Atletico Madrid and England star Kieran Trippier with a move.

The Gunners meanwhile are targeting a new right-back this summer with Hector Bellerin's future at the club uncertain amid interest from Real Betis.

And the Evening Standard add Arsenal scouts have been impressed by the Celik's skill in possession and constant threat going forward, as well as the ability to press and win possession high up the pitch.

The Turk's age is also in his favour, but boss Mikel Arteta is said to be considering other options such as Norwich's Max Aarons, who helped them secure promotion back to the Premier League.

The Canaries are said to be expecting bids for the 21-year-old and the same outlet claims they have themselves expressed an interest in Celik to replace Aarons, but that the Lille defender is focused on securing a move to a regular Premier League side.

Spurs are also thought to be in the market for a new right-back after Serge Aurier said he had reached the 'end of a cycle' at the club.

'Everyone knows that if I wanted to extend my contract at Tottenham, I'd have already done so,' he told L'Equipe earlier this week.

'I'm not going to do that in six months' time. I've experienced the Premier League and a Champions League final. I've reached the end of a cycle and it's time to look elsewhere.

'Both parties, the board and my agents are in agreement in terms of the conditions, so we will see.

'I've never hidden my desire to go back to PSG one day. It's my boyhood club and I'm still a PSG supporter, so I feel free to talk about it, but I don't want people to think I'm just issuing a come-and-get-me plea and I'm not closing the door on anyone.

'If the club does make an offer this summer, PSG will certainly be among my top choices.'

Hot comments
Download All Football for more comments