Arsenal sent Martin Keown, believed to be a scout for his former club, to watch Oguzhan Ozyakup play for Turkey, according to latest reports.

Ozyakup featured for Turkey in their recent World Cup qualifier against Iceland, where they lost 3-0. According to Foto Mac, Arsenal sent part-time scout Martin Keown to watch the midfielder.

They even carry an alleged quote from Keown, who said: “The Turkish national team was not of the quality of Besiktas in the Champions League, so Oğuzhan, one of the players we followed, could not show himself. These matches can not be measured, we will watch him again later.”

Ozyakup was a part of Arsenal’s academy for six years. He joined from AZ Alkmaar in 2007 and departed for Besiktas in 2013, having made just two first-team appearances for Arsenal.

His stock has gradually risen since then. Ozyakup eventually became captain of Besiktas and helped them win the Turkish league title. The 25-year-old has made 188 appearances for Besiktas, as well as 30 caps for Turkey.

He’s also being linked with a move to Newcastle United, Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, Valencia and Inter Milan. If Arsenal are watching him, it could suggest they’re scouting replacements for Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in my opinion.

Ozil and Alexis are likely to leave the club when their contracts expire, and would leave a sizeable hole in Arsenal’s attack. Ozyakup will cost £20m to replace them, according to the Express.

Ozyakup’s Besiktas are currently second in the Turkish Super Lig and top their Champions League group, having won their two opening games.