Sevilla FC seem to have joined the race to sign Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu who also happens to be a transfer target for Arsenal – as per reports.
The 19-year-old has caught the attention of many big clubs in Europe having played in 35 matches for the Dutch side across all competitions this season. And his current manager had already hinted that Arsenal are one of the clubs who are interested to make a move for him in the summer.
Feyenoord boss Dick Advocaat confirmed last month: ‘It seems that what I read (about Arsenal) is true, but no one has yet come to Feyenoord (to make their interest clear).
‘I think he fits in everywhere.’
Mikel Arteta was hoping to make an early move for the attacking midfielder and agree on a deal before the current season comes to a close but now it looks like Sevilla FC are set to rival the Gunners in this transfer race.
Will Sevilla FC snatch Kokcu from Arsenal?
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is preparing for a major revamp of his current squad and right now he is looking for players who suit his ideology as well as the club’s transfer budget.
And at £23million, the midfielder would have been a perfect choice to replace someone like Ceballos or Mesut Ozil in the playmaker’s role.
But now Feyenoord have made it clear that Sevilla FC are the only club who have made a formal move for the 19-year-old meaning Arsenal still seem to be pondering over their final decision.
Feyenoord sporting director Frank Arnesen has confirmed: ‘There are no offers. But we are aware of Sevilla’s interest.
‘We have held meetings, and there are four clubs interested in him, one of them is Sevilla. There is nothing official yet, and no offers have been received.’
Orkun Kokcu wouldn’t have been a regular at Arsenal next season itself but he was certainly one for the future and if the Gunners do miss out on his then it will be a bit of a blow to Arteta’s rebuilding plans.
The deal is by no means closed though so the Premier League club still has the chance to rival Sevilla FC by launching a bid in the summer and Feyernood will most certainly entertain it since they are in no hurry to offload Kokcu.
