"Arsenal were after him" - Club director claims star player rejected Mikel Arteta's side to join Jose Mourinho's Fenerbahce
Bucaspor president Cihan Aktas revealed that Arsenal wanted to sign Turkey international Oguz Aydin in the summer transfer window. However, the Gunners lost out in this race as the winger decided to join Fenerbahce instead from Alanyaspor.
The north Londoners are seemingly searching for wide options to provide Gabriel Martinelli competition on the left and cover for Bukayo Saka on the right. Aydin is versatile and could have also played down the middle, a position that isn't locked down at the Emirates.
However, the 23-year-old will not be playing under Mikel Arteta and Co. Confirming that the Gunners were interested in the attacker, Aktas told Turkish outlet Hurriyet (via The Boot Room):
"Oguz is a player who takes the stage at unexpected moments and wins matches. Two Italian clubs and Arsenal were after him. Galatasaray also wanted him, but when Ali Koc stepped in, he became a Fenerbahce player."
Last season, the winger made 38 appearances across competitions, bagging 13 goals and eight assists. A move to the Emirates would have been a huge step in his career and allowed him the chance to compete for top honors.
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League last season, only two behind champions Manchester City and will have UEFA Champions League football this year.
With Aydin still fairly young, he could prove his worth in the Super Lig and secure a move to Europe in the near future. He's contracted with Fenerbahce till the summer of 2028.
West Ham United keen on signing Arsenal winger- Reports
One player who is unlikely to displace the current Arsenal wingers is the club's academy product, Reiss Nelson. As a result, The Telegraph are linking the player with a move away from the Emirates, and West Ham United have emerged as a likely destination (via One Football).
According to this report, the attacker is willing to consider a move away if promised a greater chunk of game time. It is believed that the Hammers would have to cough up around £15 million to £20 million to get this deal over the line this summer.
Last season, Nelson played just 257 minutes of Premier League football after making 15 appearances in the competition, bagging no goal contributions. To date, the 24-year-old has played 89 matches across competitions for the Gunners, bagging eight goals and nine assists.