Arsenal have a ‘serious interest’ in signing Galatasaray forward Baris Alper Yilmaz this summer, according to Turkish outlet Fanatik.
The 26-year-old has been a key player for the Turkish champions. He had a fine 2025/26 season, scoring 12 goals and providing 16 assists (28 goal contributions).
Fanatik now claim that the versatile ace is attracting ‘serious interest’ from multiple European clubs and ‘particularly Arsenal’ ahead of the summer transfer window.
Galatasaray would be open to selling the attacker to the Gunners if they receive £43m.
The Istanbul outfit plan to spend around £35m to bring in AC Milan’s Rafael Leao to replace him.
Yilmaz speculation could be agent-driven
The Turkey international can play anywhere in the final third. He accumulated 32 appearances on the left wing last season, making 11 goal contributions.
In comparison, he managed 10 goal involvements in just eight appearances upfront, while contributing three goals and four assists as a right winger.
Yilmaz has played most of his career on the left flank. He has impressed with his high pressing and work rate, but has been inconsistent with his creativity.
Arsenal need a proper upgrade on Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, and we don’t see Yilmaz offering that. He does not justify the price tag.
The speculation could be agent-driven. He is probably eyeing a bigger challenge, and his representatives could be using Arsenal as a negotiation tool.
Arsenal are more likely to pursue a lucrative left-wing option. The priority should be given to a Premier League star who can seamlessly adapt next term.
Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers appears the perfect fit, given that he has some attributes superior to what Trossard and Martinelli have offered in recent years.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com