Why Arsenal signing Orkun Kokcu would bolster their midfield
According to Voetbal International (h/t The Metro), Arsenal are ready to make a bid for Feyenoord star Orkun Kokcu within a few weeks.
Kokcu, 19, is a product of Feyenoord’s youth system. He has received rave reviews for his performances in the Eredivisie this term. The report also suggests that the Dutch side are willing to sell some of their players in a bid to land their top summer targets. And the Turkish playmaker is valued at £23m.
The teenager has contributed with three goals and six assists in 35 games across all competitions this season. He has been an integral member of Feyenoord’s success as they finished third in the curtailed league. His impressive performances have also attracted interest from La Liga side Sevilla, as per the report.
His rise to the top has been a rather swift one after having made his debut as a 17-year-old in September 2018. Despite making just 11 league appearances last season, Kokcu’s prominence was highlighted after he racked up 3 goals and 4 assists in the previous campaign.
Since then, he has become an integral member of the squad, making 47 appearances for Feyenoord. His creativity has been brilliant and this has been his first full season in the Netherlands. Thus, given his credibility, Arsenal luring the youngster would do them a world of good in the future.
Mikel Arteta’s men haven’t been at their best as they find themselves in the 9th position in the league standings. Their chances of making it into the Champions League look bleak and they have also been dumped out of the Europa League this term.
Thus, the manager should look to bring in reinforcements in the summer and improve the squad for the future.
Kokcu – A future replacement for Mesut Ozil
The Gunners have lacked creativity in their attack that has seen the side score just 40 goals from 29 league games. The majority of them have come from the boots of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. He has scored 17 of them.
2014 World Cup winner Mesut Ozil has had a horrendous campaign, managing just one goal and two assists so far. The former German international is the only attacking midfielder in their ranks. Thus, signing Kokcu would be a good future replacement for Ozil, whose contract is set to expire next summer.
Joe Willock has shown promises of producing the goods for Arsenal but he is yet to become a regular member of the squad. And signing Kokcu would add more depth and quality to their creative department. With two young attacking midfielders in their ranks, Arteta could do better in the future.
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Verdict
It is clear that Arsenal lack depth in the attacking midfield role with Ozil being the side’s only playmaker. He has also lost his form and is ageing. Thus, the Gunners should lure Kokcu to Emirates in the summer as he has the ability to develop under Arteta.
