This summer, Arsenal is setting its sights on Feyenoord’s midfielder Orkun Kokcu. The North London club is reportedly considering Kokcu as a potential replacement for their current midfielder, Granit Xhaka.
Xhaka, who has been a key player for Arsenal, is expected to join Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £13m. The Swiss international has decided not to extend his contract with Arsenal, seeking a new challenge. Despite his impressive performance alongside Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey, it seems that Xhaka’s time at the Emirates Stadium is coming to an end.
The Battle for Kokcu
However, securing Kokcu’s signature won’t be a walk in the park for Arsenal. They face stiff competition from Liverpool, who see Kokcu as an alternative to Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister and Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham. Liverpool has reportedly backed off from pursuing Bellingham due to the high financial demands and are now focusing on Mac Allister. However, Chelsea is also showing interest in Mac Allister, which keeps Liverpool’s options open.
Arsenal’s Midfield Reinforcement
Arsenal has been linked with several midfielders as Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen his squad. Names like Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Martin Zubimendi, Moises Caicedo, and Ilkay Gundogan have all been associated with the Gunners. Arsenal’s interest in these players is well-documented, with articles on Declan Rice and Mason Mount providing more insight into their potential moves.
Despite the interest in these players, Kokcu has emerged as a prime target. Feyenoord is expected to demand £34m (€40m) for the Turkish midfielder, who has two years left on his current contract. Kokcu has been instrumental in Feyenoord’s success this season, helping them win the Eredivisie title. His performance has been outstanding, featuring in 45 games, scoring 12 goals, and providing five assists.
The Future of Arsenal’s Midfield
With the potential departure of Xhaka and the arrival of new talents, Arsenal’s midfield is set for a significant transformation. The club’s interest in Kokcu signals their intent to remain competitive in the Premier League. However, the success of this strategy will depend on their ability to secure their targets amidst competition from other clubs.
