It is beginning to look more and more likely Arsenal will make a move for Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kökcü in the coming weeks, with Mikel Arteta a long-term fan.
That’s according to Voetbal International journalist Martijn Krabbendam, who reports that the Arsenal coach has known the midfielder for years after reading scouting reports on him during his time at Manchester City as number two to Pep Guardiola.
The VI journalist explains that Arteta is keen to completely overhaul the Arsenal squad he inherited from Unai Emery and wants to build a ‘young and talented’ team above all else.
That has led him to looking at Kökcü, whom he believes perfectly fits in with the philosophy he is trying to build at the club.
They have been ‘massaging’ a possible deal for the 19-year-old midfielder for a long time, with him impressing in the Eredivisie once again this season.
Their interest is now at the point where it is looking extremely likely they will make a bid ‘within a few weeks’ although getting a deal over the line may prove tricky.
That is primarily because of his situation at Feyenoord, where he has a contract until 2023, meaning the club are somewhat protected from the interest in him.
Indeed, they are determined to sign him up to a new and improved deal and give his contract ‘a boost’ as he has become a key player at the club.
Kökcü is keen to sign such a deal, but the problem is the Dutch club cannot/do not want to meet his demands, hence a transfer becoming possible.
There is also competition for his signature. Arsenal are not the only club interested, with Sevilla director Monchi also having followed the player for years.
He’s already visited the Netherlands on several occasions to speak to Kökcü’s representatives, a clear indication that if Arsenal make their move, Sevilla will be there to rival them.
