Roma plot move for €15m Arsenal target who has contributed to 62 goals since leaving the Premier League
Roma are plotting a move for Besiktas star midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup according to Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik.
Per the source, recently appointed sporting director Monchi has added Ozyakup to his shortlist.
Monchi was keeping tabs on Ozyakup during his time at Sevilla and remains interested in the 24-year-old midfielder now that he has taken over the reigns at Roma.
Arsenal have also been scouting Ozyakup and are considering making a summer move for their former youth star.
Gunners scout Jurgen Kost was quoted by Turkish-Football as saying:
“Ozyakup is a player of the highest standard, we have been closely tracking his progress and when we do our next search for players in his position he could return to Arsenal.”
See More: How Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1 could line-up if former youth star Ozyakup joins
A source close to Besiktas has revealed to Turkish-Football that they value Ozyakup as being worth €15 million and will not consider offers lower than their asking price.
The former Arsenal man was part of the class of 1992 alongside Jack Wilshere and won the Youth FA Cup during his time at the club.
See More: Where are they now? Arsenal’s neglected class of 92, highly rated Wilshere & Ozyakup pursuing career elsewhere
Ozyakup left Arsenal for Besiktas in 2012 on a €500,000 transfer in pursuit of first team football.
The Dutch born Turkish international has established himself as a star player in Turkey and has directly contributed to 62 goals – 25 goals, 37 assists – in 171 games in all competitions.
Ozyakup played a key role in Besiktas winning the league title last season and his side are favourites to defend the championship.
The central midfielder will have a year remaining on his contract at the end of the season and has yet to sign an extension.
The Black Eagles have also booked a place in the Europa Legue quarter-finals where they will face Lyon.
