Jose Mourinho ‘could block’ Arsenal deal as Edu plots offers for two Euros star

Arsenal are reportedly set to face off against Jose Mourinho in a bid to land a key transfer target this summer. And it means ‘The Special One’ wields a lot of power in the Gunners’ bid to improve ahead of next season.

Mikel Arteta’s squad has been linked with several defensive reinforcements, numerous of whom have shone for their nations at Euro 2024. Among them is Turkey international Ferdi Kadioglu, who has turned heads with his dynamic performances on the left wing for the Crescent Stars this summer.

The 24-year-old fulfilled similar duties for Fenerbahce last season, primarily playing at left-back for the Super Lig runners-up. However, Kadioglu has demonstrated his versatility by excelling in midfield and further upfield, as well as operating on the right side of defence.

But former Manchester United and Tottenham manager Mourinho, 61, will not be eager to part with such a prized asset as he begins his tenure in Istanbul. That is unless Fenerbahce can negotiate an acceptable fee with one of the Portuguese manager’s former Premier League adversaries.

Turkish publication Fotomac (via football.london) reported Mourinho will have the “final say” on whether Kadioglu departs, adding Chelsea, Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund are also vying for his services. The player is thought to be valued at approximately £25million, with Dortmund allegedly having an offer just below that turned down.

Arteta’s Arsenal bolstered their defence with the signing of Jurrien Timber from Ajax last year, but a knee injury early in his Emirates tenure limited his impact. Timber, 23, has played largely at left-back under Arteta but has his roots in central defence, which could see Ferdi Kadioglu add valuable depth to the squad.

Arsenal sporting director Edu is also keen on strengthening the backline and has set his sights on Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori. The Italian has impressed at Euro 2024 and was instrumental in his club’s Champions League qualification last term.

A fee of around £40m is rumoured to be enough to secure Calafiori’s services this summer. However, Bologna sporting director Marco Di Vaio hinted his price tag might rise after his stellar performances for the Azzurri.

“We know Calafiori well and we have been following him for years,” said former Juventus and Bologna striker Di Vaio. “The European Championships will have a significant boost on his value, but the intention is to keep all of our players.”

With Gabriel and William Saliba forming a solid partnership almost free of injury last season, Arteta was fortunate to not see his defensive core disrupted. However, securing a talent like Calafiori could become a priority in the transfer window as Arsenal look to compete on multiple fronts.

Interestingly, Calafiori has also demonstrated his versatility by playing as a left-back on several occasions in the past season. It is yet to be determined whether both Kadioglu and Calafiori are both on Edu’s wish list, or if he is interested in signing just one of them as preparations for next season intensify.