Player Profile Orkun Kökçü



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Player Profile Orkun Kökçü

By Kit Shepard

Orkun Kökçü has been linked with a move to Arsenal since 2018. The Feyenoord and Turkey playmaker is a technically gifted operator, and a switch to a major European league appears to be a matter of if not when. With Arsenal seeking greater midfield depth, they are poised to launch a fresh pursuit of the 21-year-old’s signature this summer.

So, what exactly would the Gunners be getting? Here's all you need to know about Orkun Kökçü.

Who is he?

Kökçü was born on 29 December 2000 in Haarlem, Netherlands and is of Turkish and Azerbaijani heritage. He made a spectacular professional debut for Feyenoord at just 17, scoring in a 4-0 win against VV Gemert in September 2018. The following December, he scored one and assisted another on his Eredivisie debut against FC Emmen.

However, it was the 2019/20 season where Kökçü truly broke into the first team. He played 22 Eredivisie games for Feyenoord, double the previous year’s total, before the pandemic prematurely ended the Dutch season in March. 


Kökçü was heavily linked with Arsenal amid these impressive displays and revealed that June to Voetbal International that he had rejected two contract offers from Feyenoord. Yet, just days later, Kökçü signed an extension until 2025 and, despite regular rumours, he has stayed put in Rotterdam since.

In the meantime, Kökçü has become one of Europe’s most promising young players. He has five goals and seven assists in this year’s Eredivisie season, and was the league’s Player of the Month for January.

On the international stage, Kökçü switched to Turkey after representing Netherlands Under-18s and Under-19s. He has 13 senior caps and scored his first goal against Montenegro last November.

Why do Arsenal want him?

With superb close-control and versatile passing range, Kökçü has been touted as a belated Mesut Özil replacement. The German, also of Turkish descent, was a polarising figure in England but the Gunners have missed his creativity since his final appearance for the club in 2020.

Arsenal need midfield reinforcements this summer, with Granit Xhaka among those linked with a move away. Although Kökçü would not be a direct replacement, a January dominated by injuries, AFCON-induced absences, and departures showed that Mikel Arteta needs all the depth he can get.

Will a deal get done?

Despite pursuing Kökçü for years, Arsenal face a battle for his signature. Leeds and Chelsea are interested, while Spanish sides Real Betis, Sevilla and Valencia are also considering a move. Considering Kökçü’s talent and the competition for his services, his valuation is expected to be around £50million.

Arsenal will be hoping the allure of the Premier League and their array of exciting attacking talent can entice Kökçü to the Emirates Stadium. Qualifying for next season’s Champions League, which would bolster funds and prestige, would not hinder their cause either.

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