Why Chelsea must beat AS Roma to sign Oguzhan Ozyakup in January
According to a report from A Spor, AS Roma are interested in Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup.
Oguzhan Ozyakup, 26, has had an ordinary season so far in the Turkish Super Lig, managing just a goal and three assists in 13 appearances. Yet, Roma are keen to take him next season as they are planning to strengthen their midfield. Keeping that in mind, Chelsea must rival Roma for the Turkish midfielder’s signature.
As per the Telegraph, Cesc Fabregas is set to join Monaco soon. The Spaniard has spent four-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge, winning the Premier League twice, an FA Cup and the League Cup.
However, the 31-year-old’s Chelsea contract is due to expire at the end of the season and Fabregas is set to depart Stamford Bridge before his contract ends, with a move to Monaco close to completion.
Fabregas has struggled to make an impact for the Blues this term under new head coach Maurizio Sarri, with summer signings Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic having established themselves ahead of the Spaniard alongside N’Golo Kante in the Italian’s preferred midfield trio.
As expected, the former Arsenal man will leave Stamford Bridge in a few days time and Sarri signing Oguzhan Ozyakup as the Spaniard’s replacement would be a step in the right direction.
Chelsea, after a brilliant start under Sarri, have lost their way somewhat and were held to a 0-0 draw at home by a struggling Southampton side. It wasn’t the first time that Sarri’s side failed to break down a team in the Premier League this season, despite the likes of Eden Hazard, Ross Barkley, Willian and Alvaro Morata playing against Southampton.
Creativity has been Chelsea’s biggest problem this season and signing a player like Ozyakup would go on to solve that issue. The Turkish international is a No.10 by trade but he is adept at playing in different positions across the midfield.
Known for his passing range, his eye for goal and fantastic technique, the former Arsenal man loves to pick up pockets of spaces and create opportunities for his teammates.
Ozyakup often drops deep, picks up the ball and sprays it across the park. He is cool, calm and collected on the ball and excellent without the ball. The Turk’s grace and eye for a pass make him crucial in the middle of the park and that combined with his competitiveness makes him even more valuable.
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Signing a player of Ozyakup’s ilk could help Chelsea break resolute defences easily and also bring a touch of unpredictability in the final third. Hence, Sarri must try bagging the 26-year-old’s signature as quickly as possible.