Trabzonspor starlet Yusuf Yazici has been building a name for himself on the eastern Black Sea coast of Turkey over the past two-seasons.

Over at Turkish-Football, Yazici’s rise has not gone unnoticed. I have been singing his praises ever since he burst onto the scene last January.

It turns out Arsenal star Mesut Ozil is also a fan.

Ozil heaped praise on the 21-year-old, wishing him a happy birthday and describing him as one of the greatest Turkish talents in football.

Happy birthday to one of the greatest Turkish talents in football! @yaziciyusuf97 ??⚽
Continue to follow your dreams and never stop believing in you! ⭐ Doğum günün kutlu olsun kardeşim. pic.twitter.com/L1vHC95WrZ

— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) January 29, 2018

See More: Turkish Yusuf Yazici Eyed by Top Premier League Clubs

Coincidently – or not – Arsenal are interested in the Turkish international star who shares the same agent as Ozil, Erkut Sogut.

Arsene Wenger has in fact personally watched the attacking midfielder in action according to his representative Adem Cebeci.

Cebeci said, “Yusuf wants a move to Europe, Erkut Sogut has been in talks with clubs and there is interest from the Premier League, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has watched Yusuf in person.”

Yazici was recently named among the UEFA ‘Ones to Watch For 2018’ list.

UEFA picked out 50 young players who are worth keeping a close eye on in 2018.

Yazici has 11 goals and 16 assists in 52 games since breaking into the Trabzonspor first team.

The Black Sea Storm value the attacking midfielder as being worth £17.5 million.

The attacking midfielder has also established himself in the Turkish national team setup and has four caps to his name.

Yazici is under contract at Trabzonspor under 2022.