Despite closing the gap at the top of the table to 12 points, Manchester United are still some way behind Manchester City in terms of quality and depth and Jose Mourinho knows he needs to add more quality to the squad. The January transfer window will give the manager an opportunity to do that and there are a number of star names lined up as potential targets for the Red Devils.
Right up the top of that list is Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.
Ozil a wanted man
The German international has failed to win the league or a European trophy in his time at the Emirates and as a result, has decided not to extend his stay at Arsenal beyond the end of the season, when he will be a free-agent. Arsene Wenger is still confident that he will sign a new deal but reports claim that Manchester United are front-runners to land the playmaker this month.
The Red Devils are also interested in his teammate Alexis Sanchez but will reportedly make a move for Ozil as well. But is he the right man for the side?
Ozil – One of the best playmakers in the game
A product of the Schalke academy, the 29-year old turned into a European superstar in his stint at the Bernabeu, where he won every trophy possible in Spain. He failed to lift the UCL title before moving to Arsenal, after which he has struggled to win silverware consistently.
An attacking midfielder, known for his vision and creative ability, Ozil is an excellent dribbler with the ability to create chances on a consistent basis. He is a smart player, whose positioning sense and ability to create space for himself makes him a dangerous player.
He has 27 goals and 50 assists in 134 PL games, 19 goals and 55 assists in 105 La Liga outings, 13 goals and 37 assists in 101 Bundesliga appearances and 22 goals in 88 international appearances for Germany. He was a crucial part of the squad that won the World Cup in Brazil and is easily one of the best playmakers in the game at the moment.
He has only 4 goals and 5 assists this season but at 29, is still at the peak of his game. He was the player of the season for Arsenal in the 2015-16 season but has not been able to reach such heights again and a move away from the Emirates might just be what he needs.
Chances at Manchester United
Frequently criticized for the lack of hard-work on the field and the lack of performances against top-class opponents, Ozil is, on the contrary, a player who can win games for his side, against the best of the teams in Europe. It’s not easy to mark him because he has the ability to sit back and play his teammates through, while also being adept at dribbling past players.
At Old Trafford, he could be stationed on the right flank, where the likes of Juan Mata and Henrikh Mkhitaryan are struggling to cement their place in the first team. Having already worked with Mourinho in their time at the Spanish capital, and to good effect, Ozil should not take too long to adjust himself to the conditions in Manchester.
And playing alongside the likes of Paul Pogba, Anthony Martial and Romelu Lukaku might also allow him to get back to his best, like in his days as a Galactico. At 29, he is not a long-term option but do you think he is a good option for the Red Devils?
