£12m Man City defender prefers move to Turkey over Arsenal

Manchester City centre-back Jason Denayer would prefer a transfer to Galatasaray despite being closely linked with Arsenal according to the Sun.

The report claims that Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger wants Denayer to offer cover for defenders Per Mertesacker and Gabriel who picked up injuries over the pre-season.

Per the source, City want £12 million for the defender but Galatasaray want the Belgium intentional on another one-year loan.

Denayer settled in well at Galatasaray establishing himself as a first team regular and setting up the winning goal in the Turkish Cup final against rivals Fenerbahce.

The young defender is unlikely to break into the first team at City this season following the signing of John Stones from Everton and he would consider a move back to Istanbul for first team football.

The Istanbul giants have made no secret of their desire to sign Denayer. Galatasaray sporting director Levent Nazifoglu confirmed the club are pushing for a move but underlined that the final decision is up to City.

Sporting director Levent Nazifoglu told Turkish-football.com: “Denayer settled in well last season and we want him back but it all now depends on what he says and what Manchester City decide.

“We want him and so does the manager and City know this.”

Follow Emre Sarigul @Turkish_Futbol