Manchester United and Arsenal have both made contact with the representatives of Trabzonspor midfielder Yusuf Yazici, according to a report in Italy.

Calciomercato claim both clubs have set their sights on the 21-year-old, and are in talks about his future.

The media have linked Arsenal to a move for the Turkish playmaker ever since the summer.

There were even some reports of a £14.4m bid at the time, but Trabzonspor reportedly want closer to £17.5m for such a promising young player.

Yazici is already a regular in their team, making 23 appearances this season. In fact, the only league game he’s missed since the start of the campaign was because of a yellow card suspension.

He generally plays in the centre and has a solid long-shot, as well as a good final ball when he does get into the box.

One Arsenal squad member in particular has already shown an interest in Yazici – Mesut Özil.

Towards the end of January the German playmaker posted a birthday message for the youngster on his Instagram page, calling him “one of the greatest Turkish talents in football.”

He told Yazici: “Continue to follow your dreams and never stop believing in you!”

Now it seems like maybe the pair will have the chance to link up. If Arsenal really do want him, I’m sure Özil could help convince Yazici to turn down Manchester United.

As a player with Turkish roots of his own, he’s probably someone the Trabzonspor man looks up to.