Arsenal are close to sign Domagoj Vida from Besiktas.
Besiktas defender Domagoj Vida stood out in Croatia’s backline during their fabulous campaign in Russia. The 29 year old has been on Premier League teams’ wish lists since the tournament ended and Arsenal are amongst the teams credited with interest in Vida’s services.
Just six months since his joining with Beskitas, the former Dynamo Kyiv man is on his way out. The club’s senior officials respect his decision and are willing to allow him to go in exchange of a good transfer fee.
Arsenal have already made defensive editions to their squad. Sokratis and Stephan Lichtsteiner are two players that Unai Emery invested on in the summer. He has already stated that Arsenal’s business is not done until the transfer window’s closure prohibits them from doing so.
Vida’s versatility as a centre back and right fullback have attracted Emery’s attention. Reports have now claimed that Besiktas officials, including president Fikret Orman are in London to strike a deal. The Turkish club will be happy to secure a £14 to £15 million pound fee to let go of Vida.
However, the club’s hierarchy is in London to even look for deals that could add to their squad. Lucas Perez and Danny Welbeck are considered surplus to requirements by the Emirates Stadium outfit ahead of the new season. Turkish clubs including Besiktas have been circling over them and are keen on to add to their attacking prowess by signing either of them.
David Ospina has also fallen at third place in the goalkeeping department following the signing of Bernd Leno. Petr Cech is now relegated to being the second choice goalie. Besiktas are monitoring even Ospina’s situation and feel that he could be a solid addition to their squad.
Arsenal have already undergone a squad overhaul but need to get rid of the deadweight before 31st August. Vida’s signing seems a matter of time as the Gunners need to put pen to paper within the next 24 hours roughly.
His agent, Ugur Avadan has earlier said that it would be difficult for the player and club to say no if an offer in the region of €20m arrives.
