‘NEW Mesut Ozil’ Berkay Ozcan is back on Arsenal’s radar.
The Turkey playmaker, 22, was with Stuttgart when the Gunners checked him out three years ago but has stepped up another gear since joining Istanbul Basaksehir from Hamburg.
Berkay Ozcan admitted three years ago his dream club was Arsenal but also said he might not have been ready for the switch thenCredit: AFP – Getty
German star Mesut Ozil, who Berkay Ozcan has been compared to, has been sidelined by the Gunners after long being one of their main menCredit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail
German outlet Transfermarkt say Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, have again placed the three-cap star on their list of potential midfield recruits.
Ozcan admitted in 2017 he wanted to join the Gunners – but only when his game had developed.
The German-born ace said then: “My agent and I are in talks with Arsenal.
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“They have been scouting me for the past two years, and send representatives to watch my games.
“My agent is in direct talks with them. I am not sure if now is the right time to join Arsenal – it may be a bit early for me.
“I want to prove myself at Stuttgart and keep developing first.
“Ultimately Arsenal is the club I want to join in the future, and God willing I will achieve my goal.”
Ozcan helped Basaksehir to their first Turkish top-flight title while on loan last season, reviving comparisons with long-serving Gunner Ozil, 32.
He made the switch permanently in the summer, having only joined Hamburg in 2019 following three years with Stuttgart.
And he impressed in a 2-1 Champions League home win over Manchester United on November 4.
Oxcan also started in the return a fortnight later when Bruno Fernandes’ early double set up a 4-1 United victory.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
