Turkey midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup has decided to stay at Besiktas, turning down offers from the likes of AC Milan, Valencia,Borussia Dortmund as well asformerclub Arsenal, according toreports.
The 23-yearold, who spent four years at Arsenal's academy between 2008 and 2012, has grabbedthe interest of a number of clubs after impressing for Turkey at Euro 2016.
Since making his international debut in 2013, the Dutch-born midfielder has gone on to earn 23 caps for his country, scoring one goal in a 3-0 win over Holland in November of last year.
Ozyakup also enjoyed a prolificcampaign for Besiktas last season, scoring nine and assisting seven as Besiktas won the TurkishSüper Lig by five points.
At just 23, Ozyakup has received several plaudits in Turkey, with former TurkishinternationalRıdvanDilmenlikening his style of play to France legend Zinedine Zidane.
2015/2016 Yılın Futbolcusu Ödülü'ne aday gösteren ve oy veren herkese çok teşekkür ederim @besiktascomtr pic.twitter.com/PRRFWkujWU
"Someone who saw Oğuzhan [Özyakup] yesterday for the first time might say: 'What kind of a player is that? Did he come from outer space?'. They might say: 'He dribbles like [Zinedine] Zidane.' He is an intelligent player." Dilmen toldFanatik.
While a midfield signing would be welcomed by Arsenal supporters, pressure is still on Arsene Wenger to sign a top-striker after their pursuits of Alvaro Morata and Gonzalo Higuain have failed.
A move forLyon's Alexandre Lacazette is still on the cards, but Arsenal will have to meet Lyon's hefty £35 million valuation of the player.
However, the two clubs are still in talks over a potential deal, with Arsenal working hard to ensure they sign at least one marquee signing this summer.