Arsenal-linked €60m Turkey international benched and publicly warned by his Eintracht Frankfurt manager

Can Uzun has been dropped, publicly questioned and told he risks becoming his own worst enemy at Eintracht Frankfurt, just as Arsenal have been linked with the 20-year-old Turkey international.

The Arsenal interest has been reported this week, with the Gunners said to have made contact with the forward’s agency. That agency also represents Club Brugge forward Nicolo Tresoldi. The timing is awkward, because the praise has now turned into criticism in Germany.

Uzun joined Eintracht Frankfurt in 2024 and scored in five consecutive Bundesliga games to start 2025/26. This term he has four goals and three assists after six matches, though those contributions came in only two games.

Why was the Arsenal target benched by Frankfurt?

After starting every game under Adi Hütter, Uzun was left on the bench against Köln last Friday and remained an unused substitute in a 1-0 win. Asked about him, Hütter was blunt.

Hütter said: “The sooner Can understands that football is also a team sport where he can contribute his skills, the greater the career he will have. If he doesn’t realise this, he might end up being his own worst enemy.” He added: “I also expect consistency, and that he shows the abilities he has during the week [in training] and in the games.”

It is a familiar story. Uzun’s form dropped off last season too, and after a coaching change he found himself on the outside and was publicly criticised by new boss Albert Riera. The Spaniard was later sacked and replaced by Hütter.

Riera had said: “He knows what to do with and without the ball. If he brings that to the team, then he’ll play. That applies to all the players. The reason some don’t play is that you can be great with the ball, but not good without it. With Albert, you won’t play if you’re not good enough. I’m very clear about that. I want complete players. They have to fulfil both roles.”

Can Uzun’s best position fit Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal?

Uzun works best as a withdrawn forward or No.10, yet he has been used more as a left-winger this season. That may explain the inconsistent output. Defensive contribution remains the clear area of concern, and it is the one thing both of his managers have pointed to.

That matters in N5. Arsenal are already looking at wide options after the Saka injury sent the club back to Leipzig’s Antonio Nusa, and they are also linked with Eli Junior Kroupi, who Bournemouth refuse to sell in January.

How much would Can Uzun cost Arsenal?

Frankfurt were clear in the summer that Uzun would only be allowed to leave for €60m. Galatasaray wanted him but could not justify the fee. That price tag remains, though Markus Krosche has left his position as director of football, and the change in the sporting structure could influence how the figure is handled.

Author Opinion

Uzun and Frankfurt look like an unhappy marriage, so a move in 2027 cannot be ruled out if the issues persist. But Mikel Arteta would not tolerate a forward who does not pull his weight defensively, and that is exactly the box Uzun has yet to tick. For now, Arsenal can watch and wait.