Arsenal are reportedly hoping to sign Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu in the summer transfer window and have opened talks with the Dutch outfit.
According to a report from TransferMarketWeb.com, Premier League giants Arsenal are plotting a summer raid on Dutch side Feyenoord as they aim to teenage sensation Orkun Kokcu, with a £23 million move in the works.
Kokcu has been with the Feyenoord academy since 2014 and broke into the senior team in the 2018-19 season, during which he managed 12 appearances, scoring and assisting four goals apiece. The ongoing campaign has seen the 19-year-old become a prominent member of the first-team, with Kokcu featuring in 35 matches producing a return of 3 goals and 6 assists.
The attacking midfielder’s rise to prominence in Netherlands has put a number of clubs on alert, casting doubts over his long-term future at Feyenoord. And Arsenal, according to the report, are at the forefront of the interest in the teenager, who is expected to be a part of the Turkish national team for the summer’s UEFA Euro 2020.
Arsenal have entrusted the playmaking duties on Mesut Ozil and while the German’s form has seen an upturn since Mikel Arteta took over, there continue to be doubts over the former Real Madrid man’s future at the club.
Arsenal are interested in a summer deal for Feyenoord's young midfielder Orkun Kokcu. [Sky Sports] #afc pic.twitter.com/BUzyk8RwSj
— DailyAFC™ (@DailyAFC) March 5, 2020
In Joe Willock and Emile Smith Rowe, who is currently away on loan at Huddersfield Town, they have two youngsters with great potential, but the Gunners are on the lookout to add more quality in the department. To that end, Kokcu has emeged on the radars of Arsenal.
The Turkish U-21 international primarily plays in the hole behind the striker for Feyenoord, but has the versatility to slot in on the left while he can also be used in the No. 8 role. Known for his ability to drive at opposition defenders at pace, Kokcu can create and score goals in equal measure and also is a potent weapon from set-piece situations.
Kokcu’s contract with Feyenoord runs till the summer of 2023. With a number of clubs believed to be circling for his signing, the report claims that Arsenal have acted fast and taken the first step to try and secure a deal for the 19-year-old.
Arsenal sporting director Edu sees Kokcu as a key transfer target ahead of the summer window and has already initiated talks with Feyenoord over a potential £23 million move the teenage midfielder. It now remains to be seen if the Gunners are able to close the deal for the youngster.