‘Not in my mind’: £23m new Modric not considering Arsenal or West Ham move

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Orkun Kokcu insists that he is in no rush to leave Feyenoord amid interest from Premier League duo West Ham United and Arsenal, speaking to ESPN. 

What do you want first, Feyenoord fans? The good news or the bad news?

Well, just to get the bad out the way early, your twinkle-toed talisman is on his way to Leeds United. Luis Sinisterra, scorer of 24 goals last season, missed training on Monday ahead of signing a five-year deal at Elland Road, joining for an initial fee of £18 million. 

But at least Orkun Kokcu won’t be split-faring an Uber with Sinisterra en route Rotterdam airport.

Luis Sinisterra is Leeds-bound but Orkun Kokcu wants Feyenoord stay

According to Fabrizio Romano, West Ham have considered the Dutch-born Turkey international amid doubts over the future of Nikola Vlasic. 

Arsenal, meanwhile, are long-time admirers, having first held talks with Kokcu over two years ago (Ziggo Sport). The string-pulling 21-year-old has gone from strength to strength since then, orchestrating Feyenoord’s possession-based style from his deep-lying playmaker role while still chipping in with a healthy tally of goals and assists. 

But, with three years left on his future, Kokcu is in no mood to make like Sinisterra and split. 

“I feel good. I’ve got a good relationship with the coaches and the players,” says the £23 million-rated academy graduate. “I developed well here last season. It is certainly not in my mind that I have to leave. 

“When I signed that contract, I also knew that anything was possible in those five years.”

According to Voetbal International, Feyenoord will look to protect one of their most prized assets by offering Kokcu a new and improved deal. One that will extend his stay beyond 2025 while making him one of the best-paid players at De Kuip.

“He is the right player for Juventus,” says former Liverpool and Bianconeri ace Momo Sissoko. 

“He’s ready for the leap to a great club like Juventus. He is the protagonist at Feyenoord and is the best in his league.  

“For me, he has the same quality of play (as Luka Modric). He has the potential to reach his level I see him playing in different roles. He made a good impression on me both as a central and as an attacking midfielder. He’s perfect as a pivot in a three-man midfield.”