According to a shocking report by The Sun(via Talksport), Arsenal are considering the sale of Mesut Ozil in the upcoming transfer window. Ozil has struggled with lack of form as well as injuries this season and it seems as if Unai Emery is seemingly growing frustrated with the former German international.
It is believed that the Gunners could sell the former world champion for as low as £25 million in January. Does the report make much sense and should Arsenal be indeed doing anything of this sort?
The sale of Mesut Ozil: A huge mistake by Arsenal?
Mesut Ozil joined Arsenal back in 2013, in a £42 million move from Real Madrid. Since then, the 30-year-old has emerged as one of the most successful playmakers for the club, mustering 72 assists in 208 matches in all competitions.
However, Ozil has often been criticized for his lack of scoring prowess, even though a tally of 41 goals in a little over 200 games isn’t a bad reading at all for an attacking midfielder.
But most importantly, it has been Ozil’s apparent lack of enthusiasm and his perceived indifferent body language, which has not only irked the Gunners fanbase at times but also a host of famous personalities in German football.
Ozil’s fallout with the German press and federation due to a political issue back in August seems to have surely played a key role behind his dismal season as the former German international has registered only one assist in ten league games so far.
That being said, Ozil remains a key figure in Arsenal’s attack, despite his struggles this season. Although one may argue that the 30-year-old may not be an ideal fit under Emery, his exceptional vision and composure in the final third are traits which any team can benefit from.
Arsenal have lacked a ball-carrier in the opposition half in recent years but if Emery manages to utilize the qualities of Mesut Ozil, it will be a boon for the club as the former Real Madrid star can, not only complete Arsenal’s transition from defence to offence linking up with the likes of Torreira and Xhaka but his exceptional passing will allow his team to be more potent up front, especially with speedy attackers like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Iwobi constantly running in behind the defence.
And most importantly, letting go of the former German international for as low as £25 million in the current transfer climate will certainly be a mistake despite the fact that the playmaker bags around £350,000-a-week.
Speaking of which, the Gunners should definitely try and convince the 30-year-old to agree to a pay cut, amid a disappointing campaign that could potentially dampen an extraordinary career. The German has enough quality to still be an asset but there has to be a couple of late-career tweaks in his gameplay to prolong the magician’s trade with the ball at his feet at the highest level of football.
Stats Courtesy: Whoscored
