Arsenal are considering a bid to sign Lille full-back Zeki Celik to replace Hector Bellerin, should the defender complete a Deadline Day move to Real Betis, according to the Express.
The Gunners ideally want to avoid leaving manager Mikel Arteta without adequate options in the role before Tuesday night’s deadline. Arsenal have held productive talks with Real Betis over sending Bellerin to the La Liga outfit with terms now agreed.
Bellerin’s situation remains fluid and could yet collapse over the course of the day. But the 26-year-old must leave the Emirates Stadium for Arteta to sign a new full-back. Which may prove to be Celik, having been discussed among the Arsenal hierarchy over recent months.
Arsenal have a list of names, including Celik’s, who could replace Bellerin in north London on Deadline Day. No contact has been made with Lille to discuss terms for the Turkey ace, who helped Les Dogues win Ligue 1 last term with a role in 11 clean sheets over 29 games.
Celik was close to joining Atletico Madrid over the weekend, but his planned La Liga switch is now off. Yet he is unlikely to remain at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, with the 24-year-old’s agent now offering him to suitors. It is not suggested Celik has been offered to Arsenal.
Reports by the Evening Standard back in early June also cited Arsenal’s interest in signing Celik from Lille. The Gunners, plus Tottenham and Manchester United, were monitoring his situation on the back of winning Ligue 1.
Additionally, the 23-cap international – who Les Dogues value at £13m – was open to talks with all three Premier League suitors. Arsenal were already considering Celik as Bellerin’s successor, too, as his performances last season proved very enticing.
Why do Arsenal want Lille full-back Celik to replace Bellerin?
The Evening Standard reported Celik’s skill in possession and threat going forward caught Arsenal’s attention as they scouted for right-backs who could replace Bellerin this summer. His ability to press opposing forwards and win possession high up the pitch also stood out.
Now, with the Gunners agreeing terms with Real Betis for Bellerin, Celik could finally be set for the Emirates Stadium. Handing Arteta a younger option with traits the north Londoners clearly admire to replace an out-of-favour player.
Lille also have a replacement lined up, as Fabrizio Romano notes the Ligue 1 title-holders will target Tottenham’s Serge Aurier. Moving on from a Bursa-born star former Les Dogues President Gerard Lopez admires considerably.
“Today, we’re fortunate to have Zeki with us,” he said, via Ligue1.com. “It’s a real pleasure for us, and the other people are also happy to have him here. You can tell Zeki is down to earth. He is a humble person and we’re lucky to have him here.”
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