Galatasaray Eyes Maduka Okoye, Gyökeres Fights Sporting Over Arsenal Move

Turkish giants, Galatasaray are interested in signing Super Eagles of Nigeria goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye.

Maduka Okoye, 24, who is playing at Italian Seria A club, Udinese, is seen as a long-term replacement for the club’s veteran keeper, Fernando Muslera.

Galatasaray want to sign Okoye even though he is allegedly involved in betting fraud during a Serie A match against Lazio on March 11, 2024.

Sources close to the club revealed that they have started discussing with Udinese to check the availability of the Nigerian international.

Note that Okoye has had a fair run since he joined Udinese from Watford in 2023. The Lagos-born goalkeeper recorded ten clean sheets in 48 appearances across all competitions last season.

Italian outlet, Calcio reports that Udinese are demanding €15 million for his services.

Galatasaray, who are also pushing for the signing of Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen, seem not bothered by the asking price or the looming investigations surrounding Okoye.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahçe manager José Mourinho wants to sign Spain international Marco Asensio from Paris Saint-Germain.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Fenerbahçe have reached an agreement with the PSG midfielder. Asensio has reportedly been invited to Istanbul for a medical and to finalise the deal.

Asensio’s move is seen as a statement of intent by Mourinho, who appears keen on building a competitive side around experienced players.

Elsewhere, Viktor Gyökeres has made it clear he has no intention of reporting back for pre-season with Sporting CP.

The Swedish striker has officially informed Sporting president Frederico Varandas of his decision to leave.

The 26-year-old, who was instrumental in Sporting’s title-winning campaign last season, has chosen to join Premier League club, Arsenal.