Arsenal to meet agent of €30m winger after Liverpool offer

The 24-year-old has attracted plenty of attention following his impressive performances at Euro 2024, where scouts from Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur are said to have been in attendance.

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

While Yılmaz’s agent is set to enter talks with both north London clubs, Galatasaray have set a minimum price of €30m for the Turkey international. That valuation could pose a challenge to potential suitors, including Arsenal, who will have to weigh up the financial implications of the transfer against their other demands in the market.

The young winger’s path to stardom has been a steady one. After starting his career at Rize İl Özel İdarespor in 2012, he rose through the ranks playing for Ankara Demirspor and Ankara Keçiörengücü before joining Galatasaray in 2021. There, he has scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists in 108 total appearances.

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

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

BERLIN, GERMANY – JULY 06: Baris Alper Yilmaz of Turkey shows his dejection after defeat during the UEFA EURO 2024 Quarter Final match between Netherlands and Turkey 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 place in Turkey’s 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024. He played every minute of their five matches, demonstrating his versatility by playing as a centre-forward in four of those encounters. His first international goal came in a crucial 1–0 win over Croatia in the qualifying phase.

Arsenal’s interest in Yılmaz is a sign of their intention to strengthen their attacking options, particularly on the right wing. However, the team face stiff competition from several Premier League rivals, including Tottenham, Manchester United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa and Liverpool.

Sabah also reports that Liverpool have already submitted a €30m offer ahead of negotiations.