Besiktas president Fikret Orman has opened up about Oguzhan Ozyakup’s contract situation.
Newcastle United are among several Premier League sides being linked with a move for the Turkey international.
Ozyakup is technically available on a free transfer and Orman revealed that they will let the midfielder become a free agent before signing him again.
Orman stated: “The problem is with Arsenal, if we extend his contract we will still have to pay Arsenal 30 percent of any future deal.
“We have urged Arsenal to lower this percentage but they refused.
“If they had agreed to a more reasonable deal we would have renewed terms already.
“As things stand we will sign Ozyakup once he becomes a free agent, we will be technically signing a new player.”
The policy is risky. There is nothing stopping the likes of Newcastle from trying to sign Ozyakup as a free agent.
Orman is confident that the midfielder will sign a new deal but he would be free to sign for another club.
The former Arsenal youth has made it clear he wants to return to the Premier League.
Besiktas have not ruled out selling Ozyakup over the summer but they want to receive a transfer fee without giving 30 percent to Arsenal.
Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik report that the Magpies are on the very of signing Ozyakup on a £12.1m transfer once Besiktas wrap up the new deal.
Per the source, Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez has made the Turkey international a transfer priority.
Ozyakup has 27 goals and 50 assists for Besiktas since leaving Arsenal five-years ago.
