Oguzhan Ozyakup is to move away from Besiktas and reportedly return to Arsenal, here is what he would bring to the squad.
Oguzhan Ozyakup left Arsenal in the summer of 2012 to join Turkish side Besiktas. The 24-year-old rose through the youth ranks of AZ Alkmaar before he joined Arsenal’s youth setup.
He was part of the generation that gave us Jack Wilshere but Ozyakup was sold out in favour compared to the Englishman for whom the club had great expectations.
By the end of this summer, we could see a change that brings Ozyakup back to Arsenal with Wilshere leaving in order to make room for his Turkish counterpart.
Besiktas appointed Oguzhan Ozyakup, now 24, as their team captain and the player returned the faith put in him by leading the club to two consecutive titles in Turkey Super Lig. He made a total of 40 appearances this season and added five goals and 10 assists to his account.
Potential at Arsenal
If Oguzhan Ozyakup does rejoin Arsenal, he will need to put in significant work to increase his physical strength if he doesn’t want to be pushed around in the Premier League.
Additional work will be needed to adapt to a more defensive role and he will need to improve his tackling and interceptions.
If he were to be deployed in the squad behind Mesut Ozil, the lack of defensive work rate could be devastating for the rest of the team.
The potential move also comes at the right time for Ozyakup as the player needs a bigger challenge and looks to be ready to step up his game.
With the help of Arsene Wenger and surrounded by better players at Arsenal, Ozyakup could fulfil his full potential and become a one of the top playmakers in the Premier league.