Arsenal transfer news: Feyenoord boss appears to confirm Gunners interest in midfielder Orkun Kokcu
Feyenoord manager Dick Advocaat has seemingly confirmed Arsenal’s interest in teenage midfielder Orkun Kokcu.
The Gunners have reportedly already opened talks with the Dutch giants over a possible £23m move for Kokcu, who has been capped for the Netherlands and Turkey at youth level.
Are Arsenal interested in Kokcu? Five things to know…
- Kokcu has managed two goals and six assists across 27 Eredivisie and Europa League appearances this season.
- The Dutch-born Turkish youngster has already cemented himself as a key player for Feyenoord.
- His form has seen him linked with Arsenal, who have reportedly lodged a £23m bid for the midfielder.
- Advocaat has denied the bid but has seemingly confirmed Arsenal’s interest in Kokcu.
- Former Celtic and Nottingham Forest striker Pierre van Hooijdonk believes it is too soon for the 19-year-old to leave Feyenoord.
The 19-year-old has registered two goals and six assists across Eredivisie and Europa League play this season and as such, has already become hot property.
And former Sunderland boss Advocaat has now addressed the rumours surrounding Kokcu, apparently confirmed interest from the Gunners despite denying reports of a bid being made.
“It seems that what I read is true,” he said. “But no one has yet come to Feyenoord [to make an offer or hold talks].”
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Asked whether he thinks Kokcu could adapt to the Premier League, Advocaat responded: “I think he fits everywhere.”
Kokcu not ready for Arsenal yet, according to Van Hooijdonk
Former Celtic and Nottingham Forest striker Pierre van Hooijdonk has also championed Kokcu’s talents, but believes the youngster is nowhere near experienced enough for a move away from Feyenoord just yet.
In fact, the former Netherlands international went as far as to say it would be a ‘shame’ if the midfielder joined Arsenal.
“Of course it is a lot of money for a ‘potential purchase’,” he said.
“With all due respect, everyone sees that he is a talent, but he has not played 34 games in Feyenoord’s first-team as a supporting man.
“His quality is, among other things, his scoring ability, but we have seen that too little this season. He can become a very good player, but I don’t think 26 million is worth it yet.
“I think it would be a shame to see such a player go to Arsenal; he hasn’t even had one super season yet.”
