Arsenal have long been linked with a move for VfB Stuttgart’s highly rated midfielder Berkay Ozcan. The Turkish starlet is held in high esteem at his current club and has recently penned a new deal with the club.
Ozcan’s current contract with the club runs until 2021. However, his stunning performances for the senior team has already raised a lot of eyebrows in the German top flight, which could potentially impact his long-term future with the club.
In fact, the 19-year-old, as quoted by Turkish-Football, is publicly open to a move to Arsenal.
“My agent and I are in talks with Arsenal. Arsenal have been scouting me for the past two years and send representatives to watch my games. My agent is in direct talks with them.” – he said when asked about the recent transfer interest from Arsenal.
But should the Gunners make a move for this highly exciting Stuttgart wonderkid?
Born in Karlsruhe, Ozcan joined his local team Karlsruhe SC before moving to the youth academy of VfB Stuttgart in 2013. At Stuttgart, he charged through the youth ranks of U17s and U19s and was quickly promoted to the first team.
Ozcan made his first senior appearance in 2016 and didn’t have to look back since.
Exceptionally talented on the ball, Berkay Ozcan has been labelled as one of the superstars of tomorrow by a number of experts from all over Europe, largely thanks to his ability to create chances in the final third. In fact, Ozcan’s overall playing style is somewhat reminiscent of Mesut Ozil.
The youngster likes to drift around the attacking third in order to find pockets of space but unlike Ozil, Ozcan can use his both feet equally well. The 19-year-old is also blessed with sheer pace, which helps him get past opposing defenders at total ease.
Furthermore, the Stuttgart sensation has also shown his ability to find the perfect pass in order to destabilize the opposition defence. Even though the midfielder provided only three assists in 21 matches last season, in the 2.Bundesliga, Ozcan, has already hit the ground running in the Bundesliga this season, with three assists in just six games.
Although Berkay Ozcan is yet to establish a regular starting place in the Stuttgart lineup, the Turkish youngster could be an astonishing addition for Arsenal. Especially with the likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil on the verge of departing the Emirates next summer, Ozcan’s addition could prove to be invaluable for the Gunners.
