According to a recent report by Voetbal International (subscription required), Arsenal are set to launch an offer for Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kökcü ‘within a few weeks’ after considering a bid to land him ‘for a long time’. The same source has also stated that Feyenoord’s technical director Frank Arnesen is open to cashing in on his prized asset so that he can generate some money for new signings during the summer transfer window (translated by The Metro). It is understood that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is pushing for a move as he is aware of the player’s excellence since his days as the assistant manager of Manchester City (via Voetbal International).
Kokcu’s Excellent Spell In Dutch Football Last Season
The 19-year-old enjoyed a fruitful campaign at the Feyenoord Stadium after producing several eye-catching performances as the primary attacking midfielder of Dick Advocaat’s senior team. He registered three goals and six assists in 35 matches for the Dutch outfit last season on all fronts which showcases his remarkable maturity at such a young age.
Kokcu has shown a lot of signs of his incredible potential after averaging 1.8 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in the recently concluded Eredivisie campaign and the UEFA Europa League so far (stats via whoscored). His stats prove just how consistent he has been for Feyenoord in the attacking third of the field.
The Haarlem-born talent has represented the Netherlands at various youth ranks before deciding to play for Turkey at the Under-21 level. He has made two appearances for the Turkish U-21 side so far but is still waiting to net his first goal for them. The talented prospect has the ceiling to become one of his country’s most celebrated players if he can continue to make strides towards improving himself with each season.
What Will The Turkish Whizkid Add To Arteta’s Team?
Kokcu can use his pace and agility to make some driving runs with the ball in the opposition half. He has also got the vision to pick out a killer pass in and around the opposition penalty area. The Turkish starlet can even curve the ball in from long range which makes him an exciting prospect to look out for in the future. However, he needs to develop his upper-body strength if he intends to succeed in the Premier League someday.
An attacking midfielder of Kokcu’s potential and skillset will undeniably be a massive coup for the Gunners ahead of the new season. He will not only add more flair and guile to Arteta’s attack but also enhance the overall depth of his squad at North London. Furthermore, the Eredivisie sensation could also serve as an ideal long-term replacement for Mesut Ozil, who is edging closer towards the twilight years of his playing career.
Kokcu is a young playmaker who still has a lot to learn before he is ready to feature in the Premier League week in week out. The Turkish youngster ticks all the right boxes in terms of what Arteta demands from his attackers. Thus, he will have no problem fitting into the Spanish head coach’s brand of football at the Emirates Stadium.
