‘I want a challenge in Europe’ – Arsenal target drops massive hint that he wants summer transfer
Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup scored and provided an assist in the 4-0 victory over Gaziantepspor on Sunday.
The win ensured that Besiktas lifted the league title for the second consecutive season.
Oğuzhan Özyakup may just have won Beşiktaş the league with this classy finish
Özyakup set for his 2nd league title since leaving Arsenal ? pic.twitter.com/cFLn2v21tK— Turkish Football (@Turkish_Futbol1) May 28, 2017
Ozyakup has now won the championship twice since leaving Arsenal in 2012 but could be headed for a summer exit.
The Turkish international midfielder dropped his biggest hint yet that he is considering leaving the Black Eagles.
See More: For More Oguzhan Ozyakup news and everything else on the Besiktas star
“I have achieved all my goals at Besiktas, I want a challenge in Europe, that is my next step as I have always said,” Ozyakup was quoted as saying by Turkish-Football after the game.
“We won the title, we will wear the third star, right now my plan is to celebrate this history success.
“I am happy at the club but I also have plans to play in Europe.
“I will have a long think over my holidays.”
Besiktas vice-president Ahmet Nur Cebi sparked further transfer speculation after remaining coy on Ozyakup’s future.
“Ozyakup is a very important player but if he leaves we will find his replacement, if he stays we will still make 2-3 transfers,” Cebi said.
Arsenal target Oguzhan Ozyakup has been closely linked with a move to the Premier League, Serie A and La Liga over the course of the season.
The Gunners may have to spend in the region of £17 million if they are to bring Ozyakup back to North London.
Turkish sports newspaper Fanatik report that Besiktas rejected a £12 million bid from Roma and will accept nothing less than their £17 million [€20m] valuation.
Ozyakup has just over 12 months remaining on his contract but has yet to sign a new deal with Besiktas.
Arsenal scout scout Jurgen Kost revealed the 2017 FA Cup winners have been keeping close tabs on their former youth product.
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.”
The central midfielder has five goals and nine assists heading into the final game of the season.