Everton are in talks to sign Orkun Kukcu from Feyenoord, according to journalist Nicolo Schira, which could complicate Arsenal’s summer plans.
Mail Online recently reported that Arsenal had opened talks over a £23 million deal for the 19-year old, who has impressed for the Dutch club this season.
Mikel Arteta wants to complete Arsenal’s transfer business before the European Championships this summer, although that tournament is now in doubt due to the Coronavirus.
However, with Everton now in the race to sign the Turkey youth international, the Gunners could face a more difficult task in landing Kokcu.
The Toffees are in need of midfield reinforcements of their own this season, with a number of key players having failed to impress during the current campaign, leading Carlo Ancelotti to focus on creative midfield targets.
With Arsenal currently possessing plenty of midfield options at the Emirates, including Granit Xhaka, Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira, Kokcu could feel that he has more of a chance to play regular first-team football with the Blues.
While Arteta has also shown himself to be a promising young manager, the elite and experienced Ancelotti could also prove to be a selling point for Everton’s rebuild, which might see Kokcu consider a move to Merseyside over London.
Should Arsenal wish to close a deal to sign Kokcu this summer, they should press ahead with their interest and try to complete a deal as soon as possible, else they could allow Everton to steal a march and take a potential target out of their reach.
