Galatasaray defender Sacha Boey admits the interest from Premier League giants Arsenal is ‘very flattering’ as he weighs up a big-money move away from the Turkish Super Lig champions.
Ben White might have thrived in a new-look full-back role last season but it seems Mikel Arteta is determined to add a more natural right-sider to his squad this summer.
Real Valladolid’s Ivan Fresneda remains an option. Leicester City’s Timothy Castagne too.
Perhaps the hottest name currently in the Arsenal frame, however, is that of Sacha Boey. Turkish publication Hurriyet reported earlier this month that Galatasaray want £17 million. More than the £12 million put forward by the Gunners.
Boey has made it clear that he remains committed to the Turkish champions but, if Arsenal step up their interest over the coming weeks, turning down a move to the Emirates Stadium would be easier said than done.
Sacha Boey a target for Arsenal
“I am a Galatasaray player,” Boey tells SoFoot. “But I have even bigger ambitions. I think they will understand me and respect that because I have never cheated (them). We only have one career, we have to go for it.
“The interest from Arsenal is very flattering. The Premier League is the league I’m aiming for. So, we’ll see what happens.”
Boey, a France U21 international, turned down Celtic in favour of Galatasaray in 2021. Athletic and attack-minded, he set up four goals in 38 games across 2022/23.
“One player I really like is Sacha Boey at Galatasaray,” Bacary Sagna – himself a former Arsenal right-back tells Sporting Post.
“I think he would fit Arsenal perfectly. As a right back myself, I have to say I think he is amazing, I’m sure he is in the minds of many clubs to sign.”
Fresneda, meanwhile, is available for a cut-price £17 million after Valladolid were relegated from La Liga on a dramatic final day last month.
“(Arsenal and Dortmund) are two great clubs, about which we have favourable opinions. They give youngsters opportunities,” says Luis Bardaji, Fresneda’s representative.
“There have been around 30 teams who have been interested.”
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