Arsenal face immediate action over €60m transfer with talks imminent

Arsenal's interest in Aleksey Batrakov has sparked immediate action from Galatasaray.

The Russia international has enjoyed a sensational impact in Turkey following his €25 million summer transfer from Lokomotiv Moscow. Batrakov has netted four goals in the Champions League, including a strike against Barcelona, a club he desperately wants to play for one day.

Without the geopolitical tension and the sanctions regime against Russia, Galatasaray might not have been able to sign the 21-year-old, who was not their top target this summer. The Istanbul giants had initially wanted to acquire Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes.

When that proved impossible, they pivoted to Batrakov, whom they were able to bring in because the Turkish government has refrained from sanctioning Russia, unlike countries in Western and Central Europe.

The playmaker had been on the radar of English and top European clubs for more than a year, but doing business with Lokomotiv Moscow was off the table, allowing Galatasaray to swoop in. It is already paying off handsomely.

Batrakov's impressive performances have attracted the attention of plenty of suitors. The likes of Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool have been associated with the 21-year-old in recent weeks, while he also received glowing praise from Barcelona boss Hansi Flick.

It has been suggested that signing him from Galatasaray could make a transfer more palatable, although there would still be two major hurdles for clubs in the West: getting the necessary permits for Batrakov and resolving the thorny issue of Loko's sell-on clause.

The Moscow outfit, controlled by the state-owned Russian railways, are owed 15% of the profit from Batrakov's next move. Although Galatasaray would have to send that money, it could still be interpreted as a possible violation of the sanctions regime by the buying club.

There have been reports that Batrakov has a €60 million release clause in his contract, but this may not be the case for much longer. According to journalist Serhan Turk, interest from Arsenal and Tottenham has spurred Galatasaray into action.

The Istanbul giants are already planning to reward the youngster with an improved contract in order to keep him at the club long-term. "Galatasaray management will take the necessary steps regarding Batrakov," Turk explained.

"There are clubs, particularly from the Premier League, following the player. They send scouting teams to every match to watch Batrakov. Arsenal and Tottenham, in particular, are very interested.

"However, Galatasaray currently want to continue with Batrakov. Efforts to secure a new contract will be made in the coming days."

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