Arsenal could miss out on signing Feyenoord midfielder Orkun Kokcu, with AC Milan having held talks with the player’s representatives this week, according to reports in the English media.

The Gunners have been tracking the Turkish international for well over a year, and he had emerged as a possible cheaper alternative to Martin Odegaard with Feyenoord reportedly willing to let him go for €15m (£13m).

However, Milan have been leading the race for Kokcu for the last couple of months, with reports in the Netherlands having claimed that the Rossoneri had also spoken to the player’s father.

Tottenham are also said to have kept tabs on the playmaker. It had been anticipated that they could be a battle between the two North London clubs for Kokcu’s signature, but it looks increasingly likely that both teams will miss out on the 20-year-old.

Arsenal are likely still deliberating over whether to splash out on Odegaard. The Norwegian is said to be open to moving to the Emirates on a permanent basis but his price tag could prove to be a major stumbling block.