Ligue 1 side AS Monaco and newly-promoted Premier League club Burnley are in a transfer race for the signature of Trabzonspor’s highly-rated custodian, Ugurcan Çakır.
According to a report from French sports daily L’Équipe, Monaco are actively seeking to reinforce their goalkeeping department.
The Principality club has openly acknowledged their search for a new number one this summer, with neither Radoslaw Majecki nor Philipp Köhn having firmly established themselves as undisputed first-choice options during the recently concluded season.
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Monaco’s pursuit of a new goalkeeper has seen them linked with a variety of targets. Veteran shot-stopper David De Gea was reportedly on their radar, but it now appears he is set to extend his stay with Serie A club Fiorentina.
Other names circulating in connection with a move to the Stade Louis II include OGC Nice’s Marcin Bulka and Djordje Petrovic, who spent the last season on loan at RC Strasbourg Alsace from Chelsea.
However, the latest name to emerge in Monaco’s goalkeeping quest is the 29-year-old Turkish international, Ugurcan Çakır. A prominent figure for Trabzonspor, Çakır has consistently impressed in the Süper Lig, earning a reputation for his commanding presence and shot-stopping abilities.
The race for Çakır’s services is not straightforward for Monaco, as they face significant competition from Burnley.
The Clarets, who secured promotion back to the Premier League for the upcoming season, are reportedly leading the charge for the goalkeeper and have been actively working on a deal for several weeks. Their early and sustained interest could give them an edge in negotiations.
Adding another layer of complexity to the transfer saga, some of Turkey’s top clubs are also said to be interested in Çakır. However, Trabzonspor is reportedly keen to avoid selling their prized asset to a domestic rival, which could potentially favour a move to either France or England.
For Monaco, securing Çakır would represent a significant coup, providing the stability and leadership they seek between the posts as they aim to challenge at the top of Ligue 1 and potentially in European competition next season.
For Burnley, acquiring a goalkeeper of Çakır’s calibre would be a strong statement of intent as they prepare for life back in the rigorous Premier League, aiming to solidify their squad with experienced and reliable players. The coming weeks are expected to shed more light on this intriguing goalkeeping transfer battle.
