Talks between Arsenal and Besiktas have intensified for the Croatia international star Domagoj Vida as the transfer window deadline looms.
The Gunners have already signed five players this summer and could make it six if they can strike a deal with the Istanbul giants.
According to the daily Turkish newspaper Aksam, Arsenal are leading the race to sign Vida.
Per the source, the Gunners have also made the ‘most serious’ offer for the 29-year-old this summer.
Vida has been closely linked with a move to the Premier League following a string of stand-out performances at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Arsenal are facing selection problems in defence ahead of their season opener despite signing Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Dortmund last month.
Following Per Mertesacker’s retirement and the long-term injury to Laurent Koscielny, Arsenal boss Unai Emery has to choose between Shkodran Mustafi, Rob Holding and Konstantinos Mavropanos this weekend.
Besiktas signed Vida on a free transfer back in January after the defender’s contract with Dynamo Kiev expired. The Black Eagles have set a £26 million price tag on the 29-year-old.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Vida this summer.
