Arsenal revive transfer interest in 'new Mesut Ozil' as Mikel Arteta plots January business

Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in Turkey playmaker Berkay Ozcan - who has been dubbed the “new Mesut Ozil”.

Ozcan, 22, was heavily linked with a move to the Gunners while plying his trade at Stuttgart in 2017.

The attacking midfielder has taken his game to a new level since joining Istanbul Basaksehir from Hamburg, however, having left Stuttgart to join the German club in January 2019.

He was then loaned out to Basaksehir in September of last year, before signing for the Turkish side permanently back in July and subsequently impressing in their Champions League group-stage outings against Manchester United, PSG and RB Leipzig.

Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in Turkey playmaker Berkay Ozcan - who has been dubbed the “new Mesut Ozil”

According to Transfermarkt, Arsenal are one of several Premier League clubs to have identified Ozcan as a potential January signing.

It is believed the Gunners in particular have ramped up their interest in the youngster again, with Mikel Arteta desperate to strengthen his squad at the turn of the year amid their dismal run of form.

Arteta’s men find themselves down in 14th after losing five of their first 10 Premier League games of the season, which has seen them slump to three straight home defeats.

And Ozcan, who operates primarily in the middle of the park but is also capable of playing as a No.10, could be the perfect successor to Ozil at the Emirates.

The latter has failed to make it into Arsenal’s Premier League and Europa League squads this season, meaning he is expected to leave the club in the January transfer window.

Arteta’s decision to leave him out has been questioned, nevertheless, with the Gunners scoring just 10 goals in as many games this term.

Ozcan spoke of his desire to eventually join Arsenal back in 2017, saying: “My agent and I are in talks with Arsenal. They have been scouting me for the past two years, and send representatives to watch my games.

“My agent is in direct talks with them. I am not sure if now is the right time to join Arsenal - it may be a bit early for me.

“I want to prove myself at Stuttgart and keep developing first.

“Ultimately Arsenal is the club I want to join in the future, and God willing I will achieve my goal.”