Arsenal Told They Must Bid £26.9m To Sign Croatia International Defender, Liverpool Also Monitoring Situation

Arsenal are considering a late swoop for Besiktas star Domagoj Vida after being told they will have to bid £26.9m to sign the defender according to the Standard.

Per the source, the North London outfit were keen on a cash-plus-player offer but Besiktas want a straight sale.

Liverpool are also reported to be monitoring the situation.

The problem Arsenal are facing is that they have already spent over £70m this summer and must sell players before making additional signings.

Calum Chambers joining Fulham on loan indicated that the Gunners may be considering a replacement.

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The Gunners could still sell Lucas Perez to West Ham and David Ospina to Besiktas which would free up funds for the Vida deal but with under 48 hours remaining under the transfer deadline time is running out.

Ospina is a transfer target for the Istanbul giants who have made signing a new keeper a priority after selling Fabri to Fulham last month on a £5.3m deal.

Turkish-Football reported earlier today that Besiktas president Fikret Orman is currently in London alongside club officials.

The Black Eagles are keen on selling Vida to a Premier League side but would not confirm whether Arsenal have made a formal offer and whether other clubs are involved.

Besiktas are prepared to sell Vida after signing him on a free transfer from Dynamo Kiev in January.

Vida’s valuation skyrocketed after his role in Croatia reaching the World Cup final.