Man United 'joined by Arsenal and Tottenham in race for Zeki Celik'
Manchester United ‘join race to sign Lille right-back Zeki Celik in £13m deal… but face competition from Arsenal, Tottenham and Inter Milan for Turkey international’
- Zeki Celik made 35 appearances for Lille as they won Ligue 1 in 2020-21
- The 24-year-old Turkey right-back is valued at around £13million this summer
- Manchester United, Arsenal and Spurs are reportedly all interested in defender
- There is interest in Europe too, most notably from Serie A winners Inter Milan
Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham are all vying for the signature of Lille right-back Zeki Celik, according to reports.
The 24-year-old made 35 appearances for the French side across all competitions in 2020-21 as they went on to win Ligue 1 for the sixth time in their history.
The Turkey international is valued at around £13million (€15m) and The Evening Standard claim United and the two north London sides are interested, with Celik set to move this summer.
Man United, Arsenal and Tottenham are all reportedly interested in Lille right-back Zeki Celik
Celik made 35 appearances in all competitions for Lille – who won Ligue 1 – in 2020-21
Celik has two years left on his deal at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, but the report adds he would entertain approaches made by any of three Premier League sides, while there is also reportedly interest in Europe too, most notably from Inter Milan.
The report adds the Serie A champions – still reeling from the departure of boss Antonio Conte – fear current right-back Achraf Hakimi could leave for Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
Reports have suggested United want to increase the competition for first-choice right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka at Old Trafford, with The Athletic also linking Atletico Madrid and England star Kieran Trippier with a move.
The Gunners meanwhile are targeting a new right-back this summer with Hector Bellerin’s future at the club uncertain amid interest from Real Betis.
United want to increase the competition for current first-choice right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Mikel Arteta (front) is eyeing new options at Arsenal with Hector Bellerin’s future uncertain
And the Evening Standard add Arsenal scouts have been impressed by Celik’s skill in possession and constant threat going forward, as well as the ability to press and win possession high up the pitch.
The Turkish international’s age is also in his favour, but boss Mikel Arteta is said to be considering other options such as Norwich’s Max Aarons, who helped them secure promotion back to the Premier League.
The Canaries are said to be expecting bids for the 21-year-old and the same outlet claims they have themselves expressed an interest in Celik to replace Aarons, but that the Lille defender is focused on securing a move to a regular Premier League side.
Spurs are also thought to be in the market for a new right-back after Serge Aurier said he had reached the ‘end of a cycle’ at the club.
The Gunners are also said to have considered other options like Norwich’s Max Aarons
‘Everyone knows that if I wanted to extend my contract at Tottenham, I’d have already done so,’ he told L’Equipe earlier this week.
‘I’m not going to do that in six months’ time. I’ve experienced the Premier League and a Champions League final. I’ve reached the end of a cycle and it’s time to look elsewhere.
‘Both parties, the board and my agents are in agreement in terms of the conditions, so we will see.
‘I’ve never hidden my desire to go back to PSG one day. It’s my boyhood club and I’m still a PSG supporter, so I feel free to talk about it, but I don’t want people to think I’m just issuing a come-and-get-me plea and I’m not closing the door on anyone.
‘If the club does make an offer this summer, PSG will certainly be among my top choices.’
Spurs are said to be interested after Serge Aurier confirmed he will not renew his deal
Inter Milan meanwhile fear they could lose Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain this summer
Share this article
Source: Read Full Article