Arsenal make £23m star tipped for Euros greatness ‘priority signing’

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Arsenal have opened talks with a 19-year-old Feyenoord midfielder who has been tipped to be a breakout star in the upcoming Euro 2020 tournament this summer.

Turkish under-21 international Orkun Kokcu is the man in question, with the Gunners previously linked with a summer swoop for the teenager after a string of impressive performances in the Eredivisie.

Kokcu has notched two goals and four assists in league competition and has been a standout star in a Feyenoord side that currently sit just six points off leaders Ajax.

Mikel Arteta registered his interest in the rising star one month ago, and now the latest report from British newspaper the Daily Mail states Kokcu has become a priority target for the North London club.

The article reveals that Arsenal have ‘opened talks’ with the Dutch side over the possibility of a move in the region of £23m.

Despite not having made a senior appearances for Turkey, Kokcu is widely expected to be a key factor in their Euro 2020 squad, and if given the chance, could see his value skyrocket with a host of impressive performances.

That has given the Gunners the impetus to wrap up a prospective deal soon, with the player’s current contract situation offering hope for Arteta and technical director Edu.

The article states that Feyenoord are understandably keen to extend the Turk’s current contract – which runs until 2023 – but as is often the case with Dutch sides, do not have the financial muscle required to keep one of Europe’s fastest rising superstars.

Meanwhile, Arteta has admitted uncertainty but has urged Arsenal to commence talks to tie down their star man, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Aubameyang has arguably been Arsenal’s best player this season having netted 17 Premier League goals, the division’s joint-best record.

However, with only one year left on his deal at the end of the season, the Gabon international has been heavily linked with a move away from North London.

Speaking in a press conference on Thursday, Arteta also admitted that it is hard to predict how those talks will go given that 10th-placed Arsenal are fighting a losing battle for Champions League football next season.

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