September 20, 2024

Zeki Celik is the Turkey star hoping to shine at Euro 2020 with Lille defender wanted by Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham

Happy Euros #HappyEuros

All eyes will be on the first game of Euro 2020 tonight as Turkey take on Italy.

The delayed tournament kicks off with an intriguing encounter – and you can listen to live commentary on talkSPORT at 8pm.

There will be some serious talent on display for both sides and one of those to watch out for is Turkey right-back Zeki Celik.

Celik has made 14 appearances for his country, scoring twice

Getty

Celik has made 14 appearances for his country, scoring twice

Fans of three Premier League clubs should keep a special close eye on him because he could just be heading to English football next season.

Celik is a trio of Turkish stars who helped Lille beat Paris Saint-Germain to the Ligue 1 title this season, alongside Burak Yilmaz and Yusuf Yazici.

The 24-year-old came through the academy at Bursaspor, signing a professional contract with the club in 2015.

But he did not make the grade for the club and dropped down to second tier side Istanbulspor.

Celik joined Lille in 2018 and has impressed at right-back

AFP

Celik joined Lille in 2018 and has impressed at right-back

He quickly impressed and caught the attention of the national team coaches, being called up in 2018 despite not playing in the top flight in Turkey.

Ligue 1 club Lille came calling in the summer of 2018 and snapped him up for just €2.5million, penning a five-year deal.

He is three years into that contract and has been outstanding, playing a key role as Lille pipped the mighty PSG to the league title.

Celik’s performances for the club have attracted interest from some of the biggest teams in Europe.

Celik helped beat Paris Saint-Germain to the Ligue 1 title

Getty

Celik helped beat Paris Saint-Germain to the Ligue 1 title

Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham are all said to be considering a move, alongside Inter Milan.

Spurs’ interest in longstanding and Celik was even asked about the rumours in October last year.

He told So Foot: “I heard that there was interest from Tottenham, but I don’t know if they made an offer.

“In any case, I know that the Premier League is a league that I am attracted to, but I am happy to have stayed here when you look at the start to the season that we have had.”

Celik will feature in the first game of Euro 2020 where Turkey take on Italy

Getty

Celik will feature in the first game of Euro 2020 where Turkey take on Italy

Those Premier League clubs will take a keen interest in how Turkey and Celik perform at the Euro 2020.

Following their group game with Italy, they face Wales and then Switzerland next week.

talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 will have live commentary of EVERY game of Euro 2020. You won’t miss a thing as we bring you round the clock coverage, reaction and analysis from June 11-July 11. Listen online HERE.

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