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Arsenal and Tottenham are “very interested” in Galatasaray attacking midfielder Aleksey Batrakov, according to journalist Serhan Turk.
Speaking to Libero TV (quotes translated by Sport Witness), Turk said that the Russian’s current team are trying to tie him down to a new contract to ward off potential suitors:
“Galatasaray management will take the necessary steps regarding Batrakov. There are clubs, particularly from the Premier League, following the player. They send scout teams to every match to watch Batrakov…”
“Arsenal and Tottenham, in particular, are very interested. However, Galatasaray currently wants to continue with Batrakov. Efforts to secure a new contract will be made in the coming days.
The 21-year-old came through the ranks of Lokomotiv Moscow before Galatasaray signed him for €25m back in late August.
Since then, Batrakov has scored 6 goals and provided 4 assists in only 13 appearances for the Turkish Super Lig giants.
On Saturday, he put in another standout performance, scoring and creating a goal during a 4-3 win over Amed SK.
Manager Mikel Arteta is not exactly short of attacking midfielders, with captain Martin Odegaard, Eberechi Eze and Max Dowman all part of the first-team squad. Ethan Nwaneri is also out on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
However, Eze’s future at the Emirates is in doubt due to his poor form, while Odegaard will only have a year left on his contract next summer, with Bayern Munich having been linked with a move for the Norwegian international just last week.
There could potentially be room for Batrakov if one or both of Eze and Odegaard leave the Premier League champions at the end of the season.