Arsenal transfer boost as Euro giants turn down £7.8m Roma offer for Turkish international target
Besiktas turned down a £7.8 million [€9m] bid for star midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup according to reports in Turkey.
Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik report that Roma sporting director Monchi is keen on the 24-year-old and is willing to up increase the bid.
Per the source, Besiktas have made it clear that in addition to a transfer fee they also want a future sale option included in any deal.
Ozyakup has just over 12 months remaining on his current contract but has yet to sign an extension.
The Turkish international has dropped a few hints recently that he could be headed for a summer exit.
The central midfielder also revealed that he is keen on returning to Arsenal.
See More: For More Oguzhan Ozyakup news and everything else on the Besiktas star
“I have plans to play in Europe,” Ozyakup said in an interview with beIN Sport Turkey.
“I was born in Holland and developed in England at the best academy in the world.
“I trained with the best and want to relive my time at Arsenal again.
“I want to be an ambassador for Turkish football in Europe like Arda Turan.”
Turkish-Football have reported that the Gunners are interested in their former youngster.
Ozyakup rose through the youth ranks at Arsenal alongside the likes of Jack Wilshere and Francis Coquelin.
The Arsenal youth product decided to leave the club in pursuit of first team football in 2012.
Besiktas snapped him up and it was not long before he established himself as a key player.
Ozyakup has been part of the Besiktas side that have lifted the league title for two seasons running.