Former Arsenal Arsene Wenger has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce in the Turkish media after being spotted with former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein and ex Fenerbahce president Ali Sen in Bodrum, on Turkey’s Aegean coast.
The timing of the trip coincides with the lead up to the Fenerbahce presidential election between the incumbent, Aziz Yildirim and business tycoon Ali Koc.
Turkish-Football understands that Koc spoke with Wenger but not regarding a managerial role.
Dein regularly visits Turkey where he owns a yacht but inviting Wenger before the Fenerbahce election does work in the favor of Koc who has been pushing the message he has built an influential network including the former Arsenal duo.
The support of powerful figures in the world of business and football have been used by Koc to enhance his chances of being elected.
Dein has been consulting the presidential candidate over the future direction of the club.
Koc plans to restructure Fenerbahce and has sought the advice of Dein who he admires for the role he played in developing the North London based outfit. Another former Arsenal name, Damien Comolli has also been in talks with the presidential hopeful.
The sporting director he plans to appoint if elected has close ties to Wenger.
Koc has drawn up a five-man managerial shortlist, current manager Aykut Kocaman is not expected to stay on.
The election takes place on Sunday, Dein is expected to travel to Istanbul and join Koc on the day and may be joined by Wenger.
There are over 20,000 Fenerbahce members eligible to vote in the election. 15,000 members voted in 2015 and the figure is expected to be higher this time round.
Early estimates are calling for a tight battle, Yildirim has won 12 elections over the past 20 years but Koc is his strongest opponent to date.
Wenger and Dein were also spotted with the owners of Aganlar Yacht Ltd and Cobra Yacht Ltd as well as French singer Jean Bearch.
The former Arsenal head coach also met up with Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim.
Yildirim has headed the club since February 1998, and is seeking a 13th term as president.
Koc hails from one of the most wealthy families in Turkey and has held the vice presidency of the executive board of Koc Holding, a Turkish conglomerate, since February 2016.
Koc Holdings is listed on the Fortune 500 with popular white goods brand Beko (Arcelik) also under their umbrella.
