Arsenal meeting with €30m winger’s agent after Liverpool offer | OneFootball

Arsenal has reportedly joined the race to sign Galatasaray‘s promising right winger, Barış Alper Yılmaz, according to Turkish media outlet Sabah.

The 24-year-old has garnered significant attention following his impressive performances during Euro 2024, where scouts from both Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur were reportedly in attendance.

TOPSHOT – Turkey’s forward #21 Baris Alper Yilmaz and Netherlands’ defender #22 Denzel Dumfries fight for the ball during the UEFA Euro 2024 quarter-final football match between the Netherlands and Turkey at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on July 6, 2024. (Photo by JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP via Getty Images)

While Yılmaz’s agent is scheduled to hold discussions with both North London clubs, Galatasaray has set a minimum asking price of €30 million for the Turkish international. This valuation may pose a challenge for potential suitors, including Arsenal, who will need to weigh the financial implications of the transfer with their other requirements in the market.

The young winger’s journey to prominence has been steady. Starting his career at Rize İl Özel İdarespor in 2012, he progressed through the ranks, playing for Ankara Demirspor and Ankara Keçiörengücü before joining Galatasaray in 2021. There, he has 11 goals and 14 assists in 108 total appearances.

Yılmaz’s breakout season with Galatasaray played a crucial role in the club’s triumphant 2022-23 Süper Lig campaign, culminating in their 23rd championship title. Last season, he scored six goals in 37 Süper Lig appearances (28 starts, with seven assists), helping them to retain the title.

His contract with the Turkish giants was extended last year until 2027, and he is valued at around €20m on the open market.

BERLIN, GERMANY – JULY 06: Baris Alper Yilmaz of Turkiye shows dejection following defeat in the UEFA EURO 2024 quarter-final match between Netherlands and Türkiye at Olympiastadion on July 06, 2024 in Berlin, Germany. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Yılmaz’s international career has also flourished, earning him a spot in Turkey‘s 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024. He featured in every minute of their five games, showcasing his versatility by playing as a centre-forward in four of those matches. His first international goal came in a crucial 1-0 victory over Croatia during the qualifying stage.

Arsenal‘s interest in Yılmaz signals their intent to strengthen their attacking options, particularly on the right wing. However, they face stiff competition from several Premier League rivals, including Tottenham, Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, and Liverpool.

Sabah also report that Liverpool have already submitted a €30m offer ahead of talks.