ARSENAL are reportedly chasing Lille star Yusuf Yazici – who has been labelled ‘the next Mesut Ozil’.
The Mail claims Mikel Arteta’s side are tracking the 23-year-old attacking midfielder following some stunning performances this season.
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Yazici has scored seven goals in just eight games for Lille – including TWO hat-tricks in the Europa League.
That’s a huge improvement on his first season for the French side, where he scored just once in 25 games.
Before he moved to Ligue 1, Yazici was a star in Turkey with Super Lig side Trabzonspor, where he netted 22 goals in 100 games.
The playmaker has also won 24 caps for his country.
And some believe Yazici is the natural successor to Germany icon Mesut Ozil, who is currently exiled at the Emirates.
Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger was thought to be a big fan and reportedly failed with a £14.5million bid for Yazici when he was playing in Turkey.
Arsenal are still said to be interested as Ozil heads for the exit after entering the final year of his contract.
But Manchester United and Liverpool are also linked, along with PSV Eindhoven and Lille.
One man who has been delighted with Yazici’s progress is Lille boss Christophe Galtier.
He explained: “Yazici brings something different to our play with his left foot, his shot and his vision.
“When he is between the lines, he has his vision and the quality of his left foot.
“He’s obsessed with the goal. It’s important for him and the team, I’m very happy for him.
“Recently, he has not been happy, and I can tell you that he is happy in the dressing room.”
