Galatasaray weigh move for Abde Ezzalzouli after Martinelli bid stalls

Galatasaray have identified Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli as a potential signing if they fail to complete a deal for Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli.

The Turkish club are reported to have offered 45m euros for Martinelli, but Arsenal have not accepted the proposal. As a result, Galatasaray have begun considering Morocco international Ezzalzouli as an alternative option during the current transfer window.

Turkish newspaper Fanatik reported that Ezzalzouli has become Galatasaray’s back-up target should negotiations for Martinelli break down. The reports were also carried by Mundo Deportivo.

Real Betis have not yet received a formal offer from Galatasaray for Ezzalzouli, but the Spanish club are understood to have no intention of allowing the winger to leave easily.

According to the reports, Betis would only consider selling the Morocco international if they receive a bid close to the value of his release clause, which is estimated at about 60m euros.

Barcelona retain approximately 20% of Ezzalzouli’s future sale rights, the reports added. That arrangement would give the Catalan club a share of any transfer fee paid for the player.

Ezzalzouli is currently completing the final stage of his rehabilitation programme after suffering an injury while on international duty with Morocco. The injury prevented him from taking part in the World Cup.

The 23-year-old was not included in the Real Betis squad that travelled to the Italian city of Bari for their friendly against Inter on Saturday. The match is scheduled to be the Andalusian club’s final fixture of pre-season before the new campaign begins.

Ezzalzouli joined Betis after previously being associated with Barcelona and has established himself as an important attacking option when available. However, his current recovery remains a factor as Galatasaray assess their options in the transfer market.

Meanwhile, Real Betis have confirmed the departure of young defender Pablo Busto, who has joined Ibiza on a two-year contract.

The transfer was completed without a fee, although Betis have retained 35% of the player’s future rights. Busto’s contract with the Spanish club had been due to run until June 2027.

The 20-year-old right-back made two La Liga appearances for Betis during the 2023-24 season under manager Manuel Pellegrini. Those outings came during his time with the first team before the club agreed to allow him to continue his development at Ibiza.

Betis’ decision to sanction Busto’s move includes a retained share in any future transfer, while the club continue to determine whether Ezzalzouli will remain part of Pellegrini’s squad or become the subject of a major bid from Galatasaray.