Besiktas president Fikret Orman has revealed that if his star man Oguzhan Ozyakup ever moves to western Europe, it should be to a team the calibre of Chelsea.
Speaking on TRT Spor, Orman has revealed that Lazio approached the Turkish giants about the prospect of signing the former Arsenal youth player last year.
However, the chairman revealed that he would be disappointed if his man moved to a club of the calibre of Lazio, and instead expressed his hope that he moves to a bigger side—such as Chelsea.
“Last season, Lazio made an approach for Oguzhan,” Orman began, “but I didn’t want him to go there.
“Lazio are an average side in Italy,” he continued. “Besiktas are bigger than them.
“If Oguzhan goes to Europe, it should be to a team of the calibre of Chelsea.”
Ozyakup already has experience of life in London, having moved to Arsenal as a youth player in 2008.
The Netherlands-born midfielder—who represents Turkey at international level—moved to north London from AZ Alkmaar, but moved on in 2012 without ever having made a senior appearance under Arsene Wenger.
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However, the 23-year-old has established himself in Istanbul, becoming one of the Super Lig’s most dominant midfield talents.
As such, it’s not unthinkable that the powerhouse—who scored nine goals and contributed seven assists in 31 Turkish league outings this term—could be a valuable asset for the Blues, particularly considering the struggles of Nemanja Matic and John Obi Mikel this season.