Manchester United are reportedly set to approach long-time Arsenal target Ferdi Kadioglu, who was commended by Gunners icon Lee Dixon whilst at Euro 2024.
Arsenal tabled an offer for the Fenerbahce wing-back in June, according to Turkish media, but the player wished to conclude his Euros campaign before considering a switch.
Now, with Turkey having been dumped out by the Netherlands, the starting gun has been fired for what looks to be a three-way bidding war for the defender.
Both Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund are said to have already submitted bids, so the third party in the race, United, will have some catching up to do if they're to get a deal across the line.
Kadioglu's standout performances at the Euros with Turkey, leading his national side to the competition's quarter-finals, have piqued the interest of United, according to Turkish press.
It was these Euros that actually put both Arsenal and Dortmund's initial pursuit of the £30million-rated defender on ice in June, as Kadioglu made it clear he would be focusing on his tournament and not any potential transfers.
During ITV's coverage of Turkey's clash with the Netherlands, Arsenal club icon Lee Dixon was dazzled by the defender, saying: “He looks an absolute star, doesn’t he tonight? I think that wing-back role really suits him as well.”
It remains unclear whether it may be Dixon's Gunners, or their rivals United, who will secure the star's services if he is to move. But, Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce being heavily active in the transfer market could mean the Yellow Canaries would be happy to recoup Kadioglu's fee.
Fenerbahce sporting director Mario Branco spoke on his club's stance in the transfer window, stating: "We managed to attract one of the biggest names in world football, the only coach in the world to have won all three European competitions. We know what profiles the coach wants. Thanks to our club president, we are in a position to attack the transfer market how Jose Mourinho requires."
Erik ten Hag has been told he can keep the keys for another two years at Old Trafford after his contract was extended this summer, and an area of concern for the Dutch boss will evidently be at left-back.
With Luke Shaw's affinity for long-term injuries and Tyrell Malacia's absence last term, United seem desperately in need of a consistent left-sided defender. Both Diogo Dalot and Victor Lindelöf played deputy in the role last season, but Kadioglu could be the man to come in and solidify the position.
Arsenal, too, remain in need of a left-back. Oleksandr Zinchenko has been linked with a move away from the Emirates this summer and will need replacing should a club meet his £38million asking price. Jurrien Timber will need competition should Zinchenko depart or not, so the Gunners could look to improve their £18million bid that was revealed by Turkish outlet Ajansspor.
Early reports suggested that Kadioglu would much prefer a Premier League move as opposed to joining Dortmund, so it seems the two old red rivals are set to go head-to-head for his signature.