According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are looking to sign Bursaspor striker Ali Akman – but face competition from London rivals Chelsea.
It’s claimed that Red Bull Salzburg and Galatasaray have already tried to sign Akman, but failed with approaches for him in December.
That has given initiative to Arsenal and Chelsea, are now looking to beat other clubs from Germany, Italy and Fracne as the teenager becomes hot property.
Akman, 18, has emerged into the first team of his hometown club this season, and has already bagged an impressive nine goals and three assists in 16 second-tier appearances.
The striker only has six months left on his Bursaspor contract, and the Turkish side are willing to listen to offers this month before seeing him walk away in the summer.
A deal of just £3million would land Akman, with Arsenal or Chelsea seemingly viewing him as a star of the future at a bargain basement price.
Arsenal could lose a talented young striker in Folarin Balogun, but winning the race for Akman may just ease the blow of Balogun moving on.
Akman is now a name to keep an eye on for the rest of the month and possibly beyond for Arsenal, with the Gunners right in the race for the teenager’s signature.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
