Turkish international Yilmaz has been a revelation since he joined Galatasaray from Trabzanspor last summer. He could not have hoped for a better 1st season, as he has already notched a massive 21 goals in just 26 games for his new club, to propel them to the top of the league table. Galatasaray currently hold a comfortable six point lead over their nearest rivals Besiktas.

Galatasaray look like the favorites to win this year’s league title, and Yilmaz will probably receive the most credit for their success. Such has been his form, that the 27-year old has overshadowed the recent captures of big name players Wesley Sneijder and Didier Drogba.

His red hot form has earned him numerous plaudits, and also the admiring eyes of many English clubs. The Gunners were previously linked with him last year before he made the switch to Galatasaray, however they are still believed to be keeping close tabs on the striker.

Arsenal were somehow mentally prepared to lose star captain Robin van Persie last summer. Therefore they took proactive measures and bought French and German internationals Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski.

With Podolski deployed on the left hand side of attack, Giroud has tried to replace van Persie up front. Giroud has been good overall this season, however he has been inconsistent at times, and certain sections of the media are suggesting that he is not capable of being the No. 1 striker of Arsenal. Therefore, there have been calls in recent months to sign a big name forward.

Arsenal were rumored to have made a massive £30 million bid for Napoli’s Edinson Cavani, and were also linked with Barcelona’s Spanish striker David Villa in the recent transfer window. Even though the recent inflow of money at Arsenal suggests that the Gunners can spend that kind of money now, manager Arsene Wenger is a staunch believer of not paying exorbitant and inflated transfer fees for a player. Therefore, it is a little difficult to see Wenger splash that kind of cash on a player.

Yilmaz too has been linked with the London club on previous occasions, most recently in January. “If I were to move abroad I would want to move to a big club. I would accept a transfer to Arsenal.” Yilmaz was quoted as saying by the Express.

This admission fueled rumors of a potential summer switch to London for Yilmaz, however Galatasaray have now attempted to discourage Arsenal’s interest by slapping a £35 million price tag on their prized asset.

Galatasaray’s president Unal Aysal believes that if Athletico Madrid’s Radamel Falcao can command a transfer fee of £50 million, then Yilmaz can certainly go for at least £35 million. “We have not received any offers for Burak Yilmaz, but, of course, [the speculation] will mount as the end of the season nears closer.”

“Burak is a very valuable star for us. If, however, we are talking about Falcao being worth €55 million [£48m], then my player is €40m [£35m].” Aysal is quoted as saying in the Express

Along with Arsenal, Manchester United too have expressed their desire to bring Yilmaz to Old Trafford. However, this move could only carry weight if they offload one of the 4 strikers already at their disposal.

Is Wenger put off by the massive valuation? Will he end his pursuit, or will he try and buy him anyway, given the new money at his service?