Besiktas have rejected AS Roma’s offer of €14m for key midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup, who was previously at Arsenal from 2008 to 2012.

The 24-year-old has flourished during his time with the Turkish side and is set to lift his second consecutive Süper Lig trophy, whilst Besiktas themselves have also guaranteed themselves a UEFA Champions League place ahead of next season.

Unsurprisingly, his performances have caught the eye of many European sides as a result. Monchi, Roma’s new sporting director, is reportedly a keen admirer of his and was also interested in his services while still working with La Liga side Sevilla.

This news has been described as a “transfer boost” for Arsenal, but why you ask? He has been linked with a surprise return to the Emirates, whilst Napoli are believed to also be keen on him too. He’s got a year left to run on his existing deal and is yet to sign an extension, hence why cut-price fees could become a possibility if he makes clear his intentions to leave.

However, Besiktas’ club president Fikret Orman has insisted that despite a valuation fee of €20m, he will not be going anywhere this summer and they intend to retain their key stars.

“There are many stories about Oguzhan’s possible transfer to Europe. But we did not receive such an offer,” Orman revealed.

“Oguzhan’s contract will be extended. We only need to add the signatures. It will be for another five years.”

With four goals and eight assists in all competitions this season, Ozyakup has progressively improved at Besiktas and has already made 180 competitive appearances for them.

25 international caps for Turkey is also commendable at his age, having switched allegiances from the Netherlands earlier in his career. He captained the side to a 3-1 win over Moldova in their most recent friendly in March and will be hoping for similar success in future as he continues to enjoy life and will undoubtedly be flattered by interest across Europe, which could motivate him to continue improving.