Fotomac claim Arsenal are ready to offer €10m for Besiktas star Oguzhan Ozyakup in the January window, which leads to an interesting transfer situation.
The 24-year old Turkish international has yet to extend his contract at Besiktas and if the situation remains the same he’ll be allowed to speak with other clubs in the new year with regards to a precontract agreement.
Fotomac say Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is keen to work with Ozyakup again after the player impressed the Frenchman with his performances for Besiktas in recent seasons.
Ozyakup has been linked with a move to the Premier League since the start of the last summer window, and he’s made it no secret that he’d like to play in a major European league.
The central midfielder has been a key figure during Besiktas’ back to back championships, but has struggled with form this season, and subsequently he’s he lost his place in the team to Tolgay Arslan. An exit might be on the cards for the player as Besiktas look to cash on him, rather than lose him on a free in the summer.
The situation becomes especially interesting because when Arsenal sold Ozyakup to Besiktas in 2013 they included a clause entitling the English club to 30% of a future transfer.
Besiktas have already made efforts to buy this back, offering Arsenal €1m for the percentage. Unsurprisingly, this was turned down last summer, and Besiktas travelled to London for further talks, with no update since then.
Should Besiktas sell Ozyakup for €10m then Arsenal would be due €3m as their 30%, or slightly less if the percentage is only of any profit, with the Turkish club paying €500k in the first place.
This all puts Arsenal at a financial advantage in any effort to sign Ozyakup before the end of his contract, and also provides a motivation for them to be involved in talking up his value.
