Arsenal boosted in £25.6m defender race as Aston Villa update emerges

Aston Villa are not in talks to sign Fenerbahçe star Ferdi Kadıoğlu despite widespread claims, Birmingham World understands.

Reports in Turkey on Thursday suggested the Villans had agreed a €30 million (£25.6 million) fee to sign the versatile defender, also wanted by Arsenal. But it’s understood these declarations are wide of the mark with no contact even established between Villa and Fenerbahçe.

The 24-year-old, born in the Netherlands but a 15-time Turkey international, has made 41 appearances across the Süper Lig and UEFA Europa Conference League this campaign, netting three goals and assisting a further four.

There’s no wonder he’s desired as he can play pretty much anywhere, with the majority of his career appearances split between left-back, attacking midfield, the right wing and right-back. It’s reported widely that Arsenal have been scouting Kadıoğlu throughout this season.

But Fabrizio Romano has confirmed Villa’s differing stance on Kadıoğlu. “Sources deny any story about agreement or even negotiations for Ferdi Kadıoğlu. There are no talks ongoing between Villa and Fenerbahçe despite reports on the Turkish press,” Romano posted to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday morning.