Arsenal set to be outbid in race to sign £13m international midfielder in January

Turkey's Oguzhan Ozyakup (L) vies for the ball with Iceland's Gylfy Sigthorrson (C) and Aron Gunnarsson (R) during the Euro 2016 Group A qualifying football match between Turkey and Iceland at the Konya Stadium in Konya on October 13, 2015. AFP PHOTO / STRINGER (Photo credit should read -/AFP/Getty Images)

Arsenal set to be outbid in race to sign £13m international midfielder in January

Arsenal have received a blow in the race to sign Besiktas playmaker Oguzhan Ozyakup.

According to the Turkish outlet Fotospor, Everton are preparing a £13 million bid for the 25-year-old in January.

The Toffees are keen to strengthen their squad during the upcoming transfer window following a poor start to the season.

Per the source, Everton’s bid exceeds what Arsenal are prepared to pay.

However, Everton have already amassed several attacking midfielders this season and it seems unlikely that they will want to sign another.

See More: Everton £24m star linked with January exit just six-months after joining

Ozyakup has established himself as a first team regular following his move to the Istanbul giants from Arsenal back in 2012. The midfielder is also a regular fixture in Turkey’s national team squad.

Arsenal have also been linked with a January move for their former player.

Everton were held to a 2-2 draw by Crystal Palace over the weekend. Besiktas meanwhile were also held to a draw.