Spanish giants join Arsenal & Man Utd in race for £16.8m target

Turkey's midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup celebrates after scoring a goal against Netherlands during the Euro 2016 qualifying football match between Turkey and Netherlands at the Arena Stadium in Konya, on September 6, 2015 in Konya. AFP PHOTO / STRINGER (Photo credit should read STR/AFP/Getty Images)

Valencia have joined the race for Besiktas star midfielder Oguzhan Ozykaup according to Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik.

Per the source, the La Liga outfit are looking to replace Andre Gomes who joined Barcelona on a big money move.

Valencia are expected to face competition from Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal for the Turkish international.

Ozyakup does have another two-years remaining on his contract and although Besiktas are not keen on selling their star man they would consider offers of £16.8 million.

The Black Eagles did recently turn down a €10 million bid from Lazio. In fact Besiktas president Fikret Orman found the bid ridiculous and underlined that Ozyakup would only join a European giant if he were to make the move.

“Ozyakup will not leave for a mid-table side like Lazio. He is a top level player who won the league title last season and will play Champions league football,” Orman stated in a press conference in June.

“When Ozyakup leaves Besiktas it will be for Manchester United, Barcelona or Real Madrid. A club of that calibre.

Ozyakup already has Premier League experience under his belt having risen through the ranks of the Arsenal academy before his move to Besiktas in 2012.

The 23-year-old played a major role in Besiktas winning the league title last season scoring 10 times and providing eight assists in all competitions last season.

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