According to The Daily Mail, Arsenal are interested in making a summer move for Feyernoord starlet Orkun Kokcu.
What’s the word?
Having completed just two loan signings in the January transfer window, the Gunners will surely be in the market to do some more permanent business in the summer.
And The Daily Mail claim scouts from the north London side have watched Kokcu extensively over the past 18 months, and that they are now ready to make a move for the midfielder.
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The report adds Feyernoord are prepared to let the 19-year-old make his exit, but would demand in excess of £15m. Further to this, it is said that Arsenal are wary of Kokcu potentially making a big impression with Turkey during EURO 2020, and so would look to conclude a deal before the tournament begins so that other clubs don’t swoop for him.
Major coup
At just 19 years of age, Kokcu has already established himself as a key part of Feyernoord’s first-team, making an impressive 29 appearances across all competitions this season. Predominantly an attacking midfielder, he has three goals and four assists to his name, with two of those set-ups coming in Europa League games against Rangers and Porto.
And in playing for the Dutch side, Kokcu had the opportunity to feature in the same team as former Arsenal man, Robin van Persie. Speaking to Elf Voetbal back in 2018, the Turkish prodigy said: “In the background he is very important for our team. I always looked up to him. Van Persie was a world-class player at Arsenal and also an international top player at Manchester United.
“Now he often gives me tips: That I must always be open, always think ahead, look around me. I must always be able to play and be able to serve my fellow players.”
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Whilst Van Persie may have left the Emirates a villain considering his decision to join rivals United, the Dutchman was still a major success in north London, scoring 132 goals in 280 games for the club. The forward also arrived at Arsenal as a very young prospect, so will know first-hand the kind of pressures of having to adjust to a new environment. If Kokcu has taken inspiration from Van Persie as he suggests, then he may have an advantage in terms of developing the mentality to succeed at the Gunners at such a young age.
As Mikel Arteta looks to rebuild his squad in his own image, bringing in a hot prospect like the Feyernoord teenager could really help with that. He is averaging an impressive 1.8 shots and 1.2 key passes per game in the Dutch top-flight, and could bring in some vital goals from that number ten role – Mesut Ozil still hasn’t found the net this season. Kokcu could be the answer to that.
Meanwhile, Arsenal fans discuss their interest in this Brazilian centre-back.