Arsenal are considering a summer move for Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz as part of a potential overhaul of their forward line, according to reports. The Gunners' sporting director, Andrea Berta, is said to have scouted the Turkish international during Galatasaray's recent 3-0 victory over Fenerbahce, with the club now weighing up an approach for the 25-year-old.
Turkish outlet Sabah reports that Arsenal will sit down with Galatasaray at the end of the season to negotiate a deal. The Turkish champions are believed to value Yilmaz at around €50 million (£43 million), a significant increase on a €35 million (£30 million) bid from a Saudi Arabian club that was rejected last summer. Yilmaz, who scored a penalty in the derby win Berta attended, is primarily a left winger, a position where Arsenal are reportedly looking to add competition for Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
The interest forms part of a broader recruitment strategy being led by Berta, who was also in attendance to monitor Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen. Spanish newspaper AS noted that evaluating Osimhen was a top priority for the Arsenal director, with the Nigerian considered a major option to bolster the central striking ranks. The club invested heavily in Viktor Gyokeres last summer, but with speculation surrounding the futures of Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, additional firepower is being sought.
Yilmaz has developed into a key figure for Galatasaray since joining from Ankara Keciorengucu in 2022, making over 150 appearances and earning 28 caps for Turkey. His versatility, being able to operate on either wing or as a wing-back, is thought to be an attractive quality for Mikel Arteta's tactical setup. His potential acquisition would signal a continued investment in the attacking third as Arsenal aim to maintain a title challenge in the Premier League and progress further in the Champions League.
The pursuit of a winger like Yilmaz exists alongside more high-profile striker targets. While Osimhen remains an option, Arteta is also known to admire Manchester City's Julian Alvarez, though any move for the Argentine would command a fee in excess of £100 million. The interest in Yilmaz suggests Arsenal are exploring multiple avenues and price points to refresh their attacking options, with funds potentially being raised through player sales in the upcoming window. The coming weeks will determine whether the initial scouting mission translates into a formal offer for the Galatasaray wide man.
