Arsenal are set to sign Freiburg defender Caglar Soyuncu, according to the player’s former club.
The president of second-tier Turkish side Altinordu – where Soyuncu began his career – claims the Gunners have fought off competition from Bayern Munich.
One last parting gift from Arsene Wenger?
Seyit Mehmet Ozkan, speaking at the International Football Economic Forum, said: “Caglar Soyuncu is set to join Arsenal.
“Arsenal demanded his youth information from us. We’ll earn from him, if he joins Arsenal.
“Bayern Munich wants him too, but he’s on the way to the Premier League.”
Arsenal sent scouts to watch Turkish international Soyuncu, 21, in action for Freiburg earlier this season.
They were again in attendance for his country’s 1-0 win over the Republic of Ireland in March.
Bundesliga outfit Freiburg are expected to drive a hard bargain, however, and could want in excess of £30million.
They battled Sevilla and Besiktas to sign Soyuncu from second-tier Turkish outfit Altinordu for just £2.4mil in 2016.
Altinordu also launched the career of Roma forward Cengiz Under, who’s had a strong start to life in Serie A.
Thirteen-cap Soyuncu has gone on to display an all-round defensive game to rival the Bundesliga’s best blockers – with comparisons drawn to Mats Hummels.
The Gunners have identified defence as an area in need of improvement.
They signed Greek ace Konstantinos Mavropanos from PAS Giannina in January and he made his debut in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
He impressed, but you’re only ever one bad performance away from an Arsenal Fan TV meltdown at Arsenal.
We bet Paul Merson can’t wait for Mavropanos and Soyuncu to line up in the centre of defence together at the start of next season.
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