Arsenal have been closely linked with Turkey international defender Caglar Soyuncu.
Liverpool are also reported to be interested in the 22-year-old according to the official Bundesliga website.
In fact Turkish-Football reported that the Reds kept tabs on him in his latest game Russia.
Soyuncu has himself made it clear that there are Premier League sides interested, including Arsenal and that he will hold talks over his future now that the international break is over.
Soyuncu said last week: “One of the biggest clubs in England, Arsenal are interested but it is not a done deal yet.
“I am going to play the international games first and then we will make a decision, I will hold further talks afterward.”
Freiburg value the centre-back as being worth £35 million.
See More: 3 Reasons £35m Arsenal Target Caglar Soyuncu Would Be A Success At The Emirates
So how did Soyuncu do over the international break?
Soyuncu started in all three games, in the 2-1 victory over Iran last Monday, the 2-2 draw against Tunisia last Friday and the 1-1 draw versus Russia on Friday.
The rising star was one of the most impressive players on the field against Iran, putting in a confident show as the left centre-back.
It is worth emphasizing that this was not a full-strength Turkish side. Mircea Lucescu experimented with his goalkeepers, fielded a full-back in Kaan Ayhan as Soyuncu’s defensive partner and played around with his defensive midfielders.
Below are his highlights from the game.
Çağlar Söyüncü vs Iran
This is the player I want at Arsenal. pic.twitter.com/jnnIoZ71uF
— Dostoyevsky (@KozielloEN) May 29, 2018
The 22-year-old scored a last-gasp equalizer in what was his first international goal in the following game against Tunisia – prompting a pitch invasion in the process.
Soyuncu may be young but he is a natural leader. Fearless, aggressive and remarkably confident on the ball for a player in his position.
The finish was that of a striker, a position he played at academy level.
Soyuncu made several important tackles and interceptions throughout the game.
The defender closed down the opposition and broke at pace after winning back possession, putting his silky dribbling ability to use hitting Tunisia on the counter-attack.
Below are some of the key highlights from the game.
Arsenal fans may be interested to know defensive target Caglar Soyuncu scored vs Tunisia. A pitch invasion followed pic.twitter.com/xswIQjgEOW
— Turkish Football (@Turkish_Futbol1) June 1, 2018
Against Russia, Soyuncu made his first costly mistake.
Samedov put pressure on Soyuncu forcing him to rush a pass which he misplaced, handing over possession.
The ball found a Russia player who setup Samedov for the first-half opener.
Caglar Soyuncu’s mistake gift Russia the lead vs Turkey pic.twitter.com/dMASTzJLSD
— Osman (@OsmanZtheGooner) June 5, 2018
The Freiburg man did not let it shake his confidence and he responded well putting on a commanding performance.
What stands out watching Soyuncu is how mobile and quick he is. The defender uses this to great effect in closing down, making interceptions and making bursting runs after dispossessing opponents.
It is easy to see why the former Altinordu starlet is attracting so much attention. He fits the criteria for what is demanded from a modern defender. His excellent passing range allows him to play the ball out of defence, he is fast, agile, powerful, strong in aerial challenges and poses a goal threat from set-pieces. Several times over the past three games he forced turnovers and burst forward, launching dangerous counter-attacks.
There are aspects of his game that could do with a bit of work. Aggression is an important attribute for a defender, if channeled properly. The yellow card he was shown against Iran over protesting a refereeing decision was needless.
The mistake leading to the Russia goal showed poor awareness, he did not deal with pressure from Samedov well and made things worse after passing the ball to the opposition. It would be wrong to be too harsh on the young defender for the mistake, he had a keeper in goal that installed no confidence and a shaky defensive line to work with. Regardless, there are areas of his game that need improving.
Overall it was an impressive few games for Soyuncu. He demonstrated why he is one of the most highly rated young defenders in the Bundesliga and it would not come as any surprise to see him snapped up on a big money move this summer.
