Scout Report – Berkay Ozcan
Arsenal missed out on a Champions League berth last season for the first time in a couple of decades and the contract renewal of veteran Arsene Wenger drove the fans into a frenzy of rage. The Gunners made a shaky start to the campaign but have found their way back in the league since suffering a shambolic 4-0 defeat to Liverpool. Wenger is now concentrating on rebuilding his squad with a string of promising recruitments.
As per latest reports, Arsenal are the favourites to land teenager Berkay Ozcan, who earned a Bundesliga promotion with VfB Stuttgart this year. The 19-year-old midfielder represented Germany at U15 levels but later switched his alliance and appeared in several youth ranks for Turkey. He made 21 senior appearances last season in Stuttgart’s 2.Bundesliga winning campaign and impressed with his display in the middle of the park.
Although he has only played 18 minutes of Bundesliga football this season (in their 1-0 win against FSV Mainz 05) and has not been included in the matchday squad on most occasions, Ozcan is performing regularly for their development side and is being considered as Stuttgart’s best academy prospect since joining their youth ranks back in 2013.
Ozcan, predominantly an attacking midfielder, has also been explored in central midfield as well as in a centre-forward role. His versatility, off the ball movements, dribbling and holding skills have drawn the attention of the North Londoners, who scouted him extensively in recent past. Ozcan’s style of play is compared to current Gunners star Mesut Ozil and Wenger is planning to acquire the highly-rated prospect in order to strengthen the foundation for future. The player, too, is aware of Arsenal’s interest and told beIn Sports about his desire of completing a move.
“My agent and I are in talks with Arsenal. Arsenal have been scouting me for the past two years and send representatives to watch my games. Ultimately, Arsenal is the club I want to join in the future. God willing I will achieve my goal.”
The Turkey youth international scored 3 goals and assisted 4 times in limited game-time last season and is expected to break into the senior side more often later this campaign. He has his contract until the summer of 2019 and is unwilling to commit his future in order to complete his dream move. It is to be seen now whether Arsenal retain their interest in Ozcan or switch their focus elsewhere. Ozcan is only 19 and needs grooming and guidance to feature regularly at the top level of English football. But he will have his opportunities under Wenger, who is lauded for nurturing talents and promoting them.
[ This article was written prior to Stuttgart’s Sunday outing against Freiberg where they secured a thumping 3-0 victory. Ozcan played the entire game and assisted the first two goals for his side]