Arsenal are back in the hunt for Feyenoord playmaker Orkun Kokcu – but he has been urged against making the move to North London.
The Gunners may be in the market for more midfield reinforcements this summer, with another playmaker to compete with Martin Odegaard possibly wanted.
On Monday night, it was reported on Ziggo Sport in the Netherlands that Arsenal are back in the hunt to sign Kokcu this summer.
Kokcu’s name may be familiar to Arsenal fans having been a key target for Edu back in 2020.
The Daily Mail reported in 2020 that Arsenal were hoping to get a deal done for Kokcu, fearing he would shine at Euro 2020.
Then, the global pandemic hit. Euro 2020 was shelved and Arsenal focused on other signings over Kokcu.
Two years on, it seems Arsenal are interested in Kokcu again having seen him hit five goals and seven assists in 22 games for Feyenoord this season.
The 21-year-old looks to be fulfilling some of his potential, and Arsenal are from the only club chasing Kokcu.
Leeds United also like Kokcu, with journalist Freek Jansen reporting Leeds’ interest back in November.
Arsenal may be seen as a more appealing option given their push for European football, but Marco van Basten isn’t keen.
Included in that Ziggo clip is Dutch legend Van Basten suggesting that Kokcu needs to stay at Feyenoord for at least another year, possibly 18 months.
The belief is that, whilst Kokcu is shining in the Netherlands right now, he isn’t quite ready for the step up to the Premier League just yet.
That may not deter Arsenal, with Kokcu a name to keep a very close eye on in the coming months.
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