Jose Mourinho runs into first Fenerbahce problem due to old rivals Arsenal

Jose Mourinho was just unveiled as Fenerbahce’s new manager yesterday evening, but he already faces losing one of his key players with Arsenal said to be keen on signing full-back Ferdi Kadioglu.

The 61-year-old Portuguese manager agreed to a two-year deal with the Turkish giants, stepping into a club still reeling from their Super Lig title loss to bitter rivals Galatasaray.

And Mourinho may see one of his star players depart swiftly if Arsenal have their way. A report from TRT Spor claims that Kadioglu’s standout performances have placed him high on Mikel Arteta’s wishlist.

Since his move from NEC Nijmegen in 2018, Kadioglu has made 199 appearances for Fenerbahce, scoring 17 goals and providing 22 assists. Arsenal fans may get a glimpse of him this summer, as the 24-year-old has been selected for Turkey’s Euro 2024 squad.

Arsenal are believed to be eager to bolster their left-back options as they aim to strengthen their team in a bid to challenge Manchester City once again at the Premier League summit.

Oleksandr Zinchenko had a challenging time last season, with Jakub Kiwior filling in amid injury problems to Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu.

Kieran Tierney, who has spent the season on loan at Real Sociedad, appears set to exit the club this summer.

Meanwhile, former Chelsea, Man Utd and Tottenham manager Mourinho made his way to Istanbul for his media commitments yesterday in the wake of the Champions League final.

The former Champions League winner with Porto and Inter was part of TNT Sports’ coverage of the final at Wembley on Saturday between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.