Jose Mourinho will be eager to put his twist on the Fenerbahce squad this summer. The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur manager recently penned a two-year deal with the Turkish giants following his departure from AS Roma in January.
On Sunday, he was unveiled as the new Fenerbahce boss in front of thousands of euphoric fans. Speaking at a press conference at the club’s training ground in Istanbul, Mourinho vowed to bring eyes to the Turkish game.
“One of the things is, I bring attention in with me,” said the 61-year-old. “More people in Europe will follow the Turkish league. I’m coming to work for Turkish football, for Turkish Super Lig. But fundamentally I come for Fenerbahce.”
Mourinho added: “My wish is that Turkish football improves at every level. But if I have to raise my voice to defend Fenerbahce I will not think twice.”
With the Portuguese tactician expected to give the the Turkish top flight a new lease of life, suddenly a move to Fenerbahce becomes far more attractive – especially for those who are determined to reinvigorate their careers.
As it happens, there are numerous players at Arsenal who have struggled to force themselves into Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup. So, with that being said, football.london have looked at potential players Mourinho could lure from Arsenal, with all proceeds set to fund a potential bid for Benjamin Sesko.
Emile Smith Rowe – £12.7m
Smith Rowe currently faces an uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium after a difficult campaign. The 23-year-old midfielder, who sees his contract expire in 2026, only featured 19 times for the Gunners, where he averaged just 25 minutes an appearance.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal ‘may accept the time is right to sell’ Smith Rowe this summer. The report states higher-ups sat down with the player’s representatives to discuss his future this time last year, communicating that he wasn’t for sale.
The Athletic add that Mikel Arteta recognises his ability to be a ‘match-winner’, but the club may decide to cash in on the playmaker. He enjoyed an impressive campaign in 2021/22, earning himself a new contract, but he’s since struggled with injuries.
Fabio Vieira – £8.5m
Vieira has also struggled recently. The 24-year-old midfielder missed a large chunk of the season after suffering a nasty groin injury while serving a three-match ban.
While he wasn’t necessarily a starter beforehand anyway, Vieira couldn’t force himself into Arteta’s side upon his return in February, featuring just three times off the bench in the Premier League in 2024.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – £25.5m
Zinchenko faces an uncertain future at Arsenal after falling after of favour under Arteta. In the first half of the Premier League campaign, the 29-year-old defender appeared in all but one of the Gunners’ games, missing the opening weekend due to injury.
After suffering a calf issue during the festive period, Zinchenko couldn’t quite win back his place in the startling lineup. He sees his contract at the Emirates Stadium expire in June 2026 and there are questions marks over his place in the side.
Aaron Ramsdale – £25.5m
Ramsdale has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium ever since he lost his place between the sticks to David Raya. The Spaniard has quite clearly established himself as Arteta’s new first-choice shot-stopper, which comes as a harsh blow after helping Arsenal finish second in 2022/23.
With that being said, Arsenal could, in theory, raise as much as £72.2m in player sales thanks to Mourinho. Of course, for now, it remains to be seen whether or not the former Chelsea and Tottenham boss will cast his eye over London Colney, but he’ll certainly want to bolster his new squad this summer.
