Arsenal transfer target Orkun Kokcu has been told to reject a move away from Feyenoord for at least another year and a half by Dutch legend Marco van Basten.
The Turkish midfielder has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium over recent seasons having caught the eye in the Eredivisie.
Former Feyenoord star Ali Boussaboun has suggested that he could be worth up to £50million having backed him for a switch to north London.
He said: “[Orkun] Kökcü is also doing well internationally.
“Perhaps (he won’t move to) a club at the absolute top, but certainly at the sub-top. Clubs such as Arsenal. Kökcü may be worth €50-60million later.”
Despite the links - and of course the midfielder’s impressive performances in the Netherlands - van Basten has suggested that he is not quite ready to move yet and has suggested that he should bide his time before seeking pastures new., comments that of course could hand a huge blow to Arsenal.
Speaking with Ziggo Sport, the three-time Ballon d’Or winner said: “He should stay with Feyenoord for at least another year and a half.
“Become stronger, hold on to your place in the starting line-up and then go abroad at some point. That’s also better for yourself.
“Otherwise, you go too young. That happens every time, and you even see it in the big boys who went to Barcelona and Real Madrid. They too have had problems with it.”
Should Kokcu’s excellent showings continue though, it is hard to envisage him remaining with Feyenoord for the long term.
The 21-year-old is currently in the midst of the most productive season of his career thus far, having netted six goals and notched seven assists in all competitions.
He has three-and-a-half years left on his current contract with Feyenoord, while Leeds United have also been credited with an interest in the 13-time Turkish international.
