Orkun Kokcu is one of the most talented young midfielders in Europe (Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, Arsenal are planning to make a swift move for Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu before the Euro 2020 tournament in the summer.
The report also adds that Arsenal’s scouts have watched him for the past 18 months and are satisfied with Kokcu’s performance so far.
Born in Haarlem, Kokcu, 19, came through the youth ranks of FC Groningen and Feyenoord. After scoring 15 goals and providing 7 assists in 41 games for the latter club’s U19 side, he was promoted to the first-team in the summer of 2018.
In his debut season with the senior team, he played in just 11 league games, scoring 3 goals and providing 4 assists. However, this term, he has developed himself and is a regular starter for Feyenoord. He has scored 3 goals and provided 5 assists in 32 games across all competitions. And he is seen as one of the emerging talents of European football.
Meanwhile, Mikel Arteta’s men are placed 10th in the Premier League table. Despite their good run of form, they have been inconsistent and have lacked creativity.
They are also knocked out of the Europa League after losing to Greek side Olympiacos on away goals. Except for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the rest of the forwards have found it difficult to score on a regular basis. And the manager should look to strengthen the squad for the next season.
Arsenal have faced difficulties in their defence and the backline needs to be sorted out most importantly above all. Apart from that, they need a young and energetic attacking midfielder, who can also provide them with the much-needed extra goals.
In that regard, going all out for Orkun Kokcu would be a good decision by the club. Most of the players in the Gunners’ side are young and the Feyenoord man would be a viable option to bolster their attack.
Mesut Ozil is the only attacking midfielder available at Arteta’s disposal and bringing in Kokcu would help the manager with a natural backup for the German. He has put in some impressive performances this season and was at his best against PEC Zwolle, where he provided the assist for Feyenoord’s 4th and the winning goal of the match.
Kokcu is predominantly an attacking midfielder and he could be used in the place of Ozil in other competitions which can help him in his development. He is young and has all the abilities to succeed at a higher level if he continues to perform with the same form.
Arsenal need to get back to their best and have to bring in creative players, who are fast and can also contribute by scoring. Hence, they should make a move for the 19-year-old in the summer. He is in the form of his life despite his tender age and can develop himself under proper guidance.
