Jose Mourinho 'gets final say' on Arsenal deal as Edu weighs up £40m transfer

Arsenal will reportedly have to get the better of Jose Mourinho one more time if they're to land one particular transfer target this summer.

Mikel Arteta's side have been linked with a number of defensive recruits, several of whom have impressed for their countries at Euro 2024. One of those is Turkey international Ferdi Kadioglu, who has grabbed attention with his swashbuckling displays down the left flank for the Crescent Stars this summer.

The 24-year-old performed the same duties for Fenerbahce last season when he starred largely at left-back for the Super Lig runners-up. However, Kadioglu has proved himself capable in more advanced wide positions, as well as being able to line up on the right side of a four-man defence.

But Mourinho, 61, will be in no rush to give up such a valuable asset as he gets to work in Istanbul. At least not unless Fenerbahce manage to agree a satisfactory fee with one of the manager's old Premier League rivals.

Turkish outlet Fotomac claim that Mourinho 'will have the final say' on whether Kadioglu leaves and that Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are also in the running for his services. It's believed the player has been valued at around £25million, with the Black and Yellows allegedly seeing an offer just shy of that figure rejected.

Arteta recruited Jurrien Timber from Ajax last summer, but his involvement was severely hampered following a serious knee injury early on in his Arsenal tenure. Timber, 23, has also played much of his career to date in central defence, so it's feasible that Kadioglu could offer value in addition to the Dutchman.

READ MORE: Timber starts, Nwaneri chance, two new signings play - Arsenal dream XI for Bournemouth friendly

READ MORE: Arsenal to complete second summer signing with third transfer imminent as three-year deal agreed

Arsenal sporting director Edu is working on other deals in defence at present, too, with Bologna's Riccardo Calafiori believed to be a priority for the Gunners. The Italy youngster has bolstered his reputation with some fine displays at Euro 2024 after helping Bologna clinch Champions League qualification last season.

Reports have suggested £40m could be sufficient to acquire the player's signature this summer. However, recent comments from sporting director Marco Di Vaio have suggested that could change given the impact he's made for the Azzurri on German shores.

"We know Calafiori well and we have been following him for years," said Di Vaio, who scored 66 goals in 148 appearances for the Rossoblu. "The European Championships will have a significant boost on his value, but the intention is to keep all of our players."

Arteta was fortunate to keep starting centre-back duo Gabriel and Williams Saliba fit for the entirety of last season. However, an increased need for depth in a key position may mean a move for a player of Calafiori's description takes priority in the coming weeks.

Interestingly, Calafiori can also play left-back and has done so several times in the season just gone. It remains to be seen if Kadioglu and Calafiori are both wanted or if Edu is keen for just one of them to join as plans for next season continue to ramp up.