Benfica forward Kerem Akturkoglu has impressed Arsenal scouts after a trip to Portugal, TBR Football can exclusively reveal.
Since arriving at the club, new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has recognised the need to find a new left-sided winger.
Right now Arsenal have Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard at their disposal, two wingers who are still struggling to nail down the starting role.
Therefore, Arsenal are interested in AC Milan’s Rafael Leao who fits their desire for a right-footed winger.
But whilst officially in Portugal to check on Fabio Vieira’s progress on loan at FC Porto, Arsenal continued their checks on 26-year-old Akturkoglu.
Arsenal have been impressed by Benfica’s Kerem Akturkoglu
Graeme Bailey – TBR Football chief correspondent, understands that Arsenal have been following Akturkoglu since even before his move from Galatasaray to Benfica last summer.
The Turkey international is having a fine season in Portugal – he’s netted 16 goals in all competitions, including four in the Champions League.
READ MORE: What Andrea Berta has privately said to Nico Williams to convince him to sign for Arsenal
Arsenal scouts have been impressed by Akturkoglu’s performances in recent months and are continuing to monitor his progress.
And as mentioned, their representatives were in place at Porto on Sunday to see Benfica’s historic 4-1 win over their hosts.
And in addition to Akturkoglu, Arsenal scouts would have clearly been impressed with Vangelis Pavilidis – a player they have watched before.
The Greek striker bagged a hat-trick in front of Arsenal, the first Benfica player to ever notch a treble at the Dragao.
And as expected in a 4-1 win, Akturkoglu also impressed, a performance that only strengthened Arsenal’s admiration.
Kerem Akturkoglu named Jose Mourinho as his favourite manager
Speaking to Portuguese outlet A Bola last year, Akturkoglu actually admitted that Jose Mourinho was his favourite manager of all time.
After just signing for Porto’s rivals Benfica last summer the winger controversially claimed that Porto were the Portuguese team he’s always followed, explaining his admiration for Mourinho.
Akturkoglu said: “Before coming to Portugal, the Portuguese team I always liked was FC Porto.
“The fact that Mourinho won the Champions League with FC Porto and that he is my favorite coach also played a role in this.
“I have always supported FC Porto but now I will have to support Benfica as well. Even when the two teams meet, I think I will have to support Benfica from now on.”
A character who’s clearly not afraid to be honest, and a forward who might end up making another big move in the future.
