In a recent report, Sabah mentioned that Arsenal are facing stiff competition for Galatasaray winger Baris Alper Yilmaz this summer. It has been claimed that the Gunners would have to rival Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton and Hove Albion, Aston Villa and Liverpool in the race to land the Turkish wide player this off-season.
Yilmaz’s Impressive Form In Turkish Football
Yilmaz managed to prove his worth as a consistent performer on the right side of Galastaray’s attack in the previous campaign. The Turkish talent was involved in 55 matches for his current club last season, netting seven goals and picking up 12 assists across all fronts.
The 24-year-old was a decent contributor in the final third as he averaged 1.6 shots, 1.2 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game in the Turkish Super Lig. He has even distributed the ball relatively well based on his pass completion rate of 75.8% in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Emirates Stadium will run out in the summer of 2027 which could make it tough for Arsenal to get a deal done for him on the cheap later this year.
Should Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta Go For Yilmaz This Summer?
Yilmaz is proficient at finding a yard of space for himself to get a few strikes in at goal. He has also got the eye to play a few decisive passes on the offensive end of the field and is a good dribbler with the ball at his feet.
The Turkish wide player can chip in by scoring and creating his fair share of goals up top. He is primarily a right-sided wide player but can also function as a left-winger or as a centre-forward if needed.
Yilmaz would no doubt add more firepower to Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta’s attack. He is good enough to fight for a regular first-team spot at the North London club next season.
At 24, Yilmaz has his best years ahead of him which makes him a decent fit for Arsenal‘s needs in the long run. However, it remains to be seen whether he can maintain his good form in Premier League football if the Gunners manage to land him this summer. Still, the pros outweigh the cons of recruiting a player of Yilmaz’s quality, so Arteta should consider going for him soon.
