Five prospects that Arsenal released too soon

Oguzhan Ozyakup

Dutch-born Turkish international Oguzhan Ozyakup never actually made a first team appearance for Arsenal but was on the books of the North London club from 2011 to 2012.

An unused substitute twice for two high-profile Arsenal games in the form of the Gunners’ infamous 8-2 loss at Manchester United in 2011 and Champions League last 16 tie with AC Milan at home, the midfielder just never got his chance to show what he could do.

Despite the difference in playing standard, Ozyakup is a rare example of a young former Arsenal prospect that has gone on to improve since representing Besiktas from 2012 onwards.

Now revered as one of the top box-to-box midfielders in the Turkish Super Lig, Ozyakup’s performances have been so consistent that The Express were claiming Arsene Wenger was keen on re-signing him in January!