Besiktas star Oguzhan Ozyakup is widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the Super Lig and he played a key role in the Black Eagles winning the league title last season.
Ozyakup is a Turkish international but he was born in the Netherlands and he owes a lot of his development to Arsenal FC.
The former Arsenal academy product left the club in 2012 for first team football but he was highly rated during his time at the club playing two cup games and being listed in the Premier League and Champions League squad for the Gunners.
Ozyakup revealed he has fond memories of the North London based outfit and that the academy helped him become the player he is today.
The 24-year-old was quoted by UEFA as saying: “I was brought up in the youth team [at Arsenal] and in my final year I almost always trained with the first team. I played in two cup games and got into the squad for Premier League and Champions League games.
“Arsenal have a very strong academy, and watching and taking part in first-team training would be beneficial for any player.
“They have world stars there, and seeing them train every day and seeing the extra things they do gives you an insight into what you should be doing.”
Ozyakup also praised Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger’s motivation and dedication shown towards the club after spending 20 years in charge of squad.
“As for Arsène Wenger, who has been at the club for 20-odd years, to be able to come to training with the same motivation every day says a lot about him,” he added.
Wenger has not totally forgotten about Ozyakup either and a source close to Besiktas revealed to Turkish-football.com that Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the midfielder – although an offer has not been made.
Ozyakup was closely linked with a number of clubs over the summer transfer window but opted to stay at the Black Eagles for another season.
There have been offers but I do not want to leave this season, I want to stay with Besiktas and play Champions League football,” Ozyakup was quoted as saying by Fanatik.
“I want to stay for one more season and then consider my options.”
In other Arsenal transfer news the Mirror [via CalcioMercatoWeb] report that Juventus have held talks with star midfielder Santi Cazorla.
