Chelsea scout Eddie Newton has told the Turkish media they’ve followed Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Özyakup in the past, and he thinks the 25-year-old will suit Arsenal.

The Turkish media have consistently linked Özyakup with a return to North London over the last few months. Arsenal reportedly made a €7m bid for the midfielder in January, but Besiktas wouldn’t settle for less than €12m.

Newton spoke to Aksam about the Besiktas man rejoining Arsene Wenger at the Emirates this summer.

“Ozyakup is a very good player,” he said (via SportWitness). “We followed him before. For me he’ll suit the Arsenal system. He’s technically strong, calm and composed on the ball and also a good passer.”

Besiktas' Netherlands-born Turkish midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup answers questions during a press conference at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium in north London, on August 26, 2014, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League second-leg play-off match against Arsenal. AFP PHOTO/OLLY GREENWOOD
(AFP PHOTO/OLLY GREENWOOD)

From the sounds of things, people in Turkey are really starting to think there’s something in the rumours of a transfer back to the Emirates this summer. According to further reports this week, the club sent scouts to watch the player against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.

Özyakup’s contract expires at the end of the season, so you can understand why Wenger wasn’t willing to pay €12m for someone he could get for free in a few months. Arsenal also have a 30% sell on clause in his current contract with Besiktas. Realistically, the Super Lig club didn’t have much leverage to work with in January.

Now, Arsenal can start negotiating a pre-contract agreement with the player. We should find out in the coming weeks and months whether they decide to do so.