Arsenal are preparing to make a bid for Fenerbahce fullback Ferdi Kadioglu, according to Sabah.

The Turkish newspaper claims that the 24-year-old is a top target for the Gunners as they look to strengthen their options at the back during the January transfer window.

Fenerbahce are believed to be reluctant sellers. Kadioglu has been one of their top performers this season and they will reportedly hold out for a fee in the region of €30m (£26m).

Sabah report that the Super Lig club is bracing themselves for an approach and they predict that “Arsenal will knock on the club’s door with an offer”.

What do Arsenal fans need to know about Kadioglu

The Turkish international was actually born in the Netherlands. He came through NEC Nijmegen’s academy before going on to make 70 senior appearances for the Dutch club.

Kadioglu then moved to Fenerbahce in 2018, where he has spent the last six seasons. He is a right-footed fullback but he has been mostly used on the left-hand side of defence this campaign.

Kadioglu is an ideal player for the inverted fullback role

The 24-year-old actually started out as an attacking midfielder. In his last season with NEC, he racked up 8 goals and 13 assists in 39 appearances.

When Kadioglu moved to Fenerbahce, he continued to play in midfield or as a winger. However, he was converted into a left-back during the 2021/22 campaign and he has continued playing in the position ever since.

His ability on the ball means he is a perfect fit to replace Oleksandr Zinchenko in the inverted fullback role. The Ukrainian international is currently sidelined with a calf injury and, with Takehiro Tomiyasu away at the Asian Cup, there isn’t a lot of cover.

If Arsenal can finance a move for Kadioglu, they may be able to give Zinchenko more competition for his place in the starting eleven.