Oguzhan Özyakup

Arsenal completed the signing of Dutch midfielder Oguzhan Özyakup in April 2008 in a deal which Young Guns announced first.

Dutch born but of Turkish descent, Oguzhan is a creative and highly technical central midfielder who can also play on the wings. Blessed with a superb passing range and ability to crop up in the right place to score goals, his talents add up to a lethal combination for opposition.

After coming through the Youth ranks at local club AZ Alkmaar, he was quickly promoted to the clubs Reserves side aged just 15. During this time coach Louis van Gaal became a huge admirer of the wonder kid, and invited Özyakup to train with the first team on various occasions.

Soon International honors beckoned, scoring on his Under 15’s debut against Ireland, he surprised many by featuring in the Dutch 17s squad recently, despite being only 15 meaning he had been promoted a year early.
Many AZ fans have made comparisons to Cesc Fabregas and Zinedine Zidane, Arsenal fans will hope he can live up to that potential.

However in late 2007 it emerged Oguzhan has turned down a scholarship contract, and was made aware sides such as FC Barcelona, Ajax and Inter Milan were keen to tempt him away. Arsenal stepped up their scouting of him, and in late April faxed a offer described as “lucrative”, and a deal was quickly agreed.

Oguzhan signed a two year scholarship contract, with the option of a further three years as a professional, showing Arsenal we willing to meet his ambitions and value his talents.

He then travelled to London to meet the Gunners coaching staff, and arrange his schooling situation, he will not link up with Arsenal until he turns 16 in September 2008. It is expected that he will play with Steve Bould’s Under 18s.

Name: Oguzhan Özyakup
Age: 15
Nationality: Dutch
Position: Central Midfield
Previous Clubs: AZ Alkmaar
Contract : Scholarship