'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The transfer saga of Arsenal superstar Alexis Sanchez has somewhat overshadowed Mesut Ozil's situation at Arsenal.
Along with the seemingly Manchester United-bound Chilean, Ozil is one of two players currently unsettled at the club and could be on the verge of leaving the Emirates this January.
Despite the fair share of flaws within his game, the German International has proved to be one of the main sources of inspiration in the final third for Arsenal over the past few years and his departure could create a massive hole in the squad, especially in the creative department.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are not a club known for their tendency to spend big on players with Arsene Wenger often opting to take the inexpensive route. Therefore, in this article, we will talk about 5 of the cheapest Mesut Ozil replacements.
You can be assured that none of the players in this list costs above €40 million!
#5 Mateo Kovacic (Real Madrid)
Mateo Kovacic has been on the books of several Premier League clubs for quite some time now.
Following his move from Inter in the summer of 2015, the Croatian International has really struggled to impose himself in La Liga, often finding himself sitting on the sidelines.
The 23-year-old has featured in only 155 minutes of league action so far this season and has been constantly linked with a move elsewhere.
Blessed with an impressive technical ability and intricate passing qualities, Kovacic can play either as a central midfielder or as an attacking midfielder.
His subtle passing and good vision allow him to create a lot of chances in the final third, meaning he can prove to be an ideal replacement for Mesut Ozil at Arsenal.
Furthermore, the Croatian is only valued at around €22 million - €25 million, which is a snip in today's market.
#4 Emil Forsberg (RB Leipzig)
Emil Forsberg is one of the most important players for a Leipzig side who are seemingly impressing in the Bundesliga since their promotion at the start of last season.
The Swedish International had an impactful debut season in the Bundesliga last term, where he helped his side finish second(even in their debut season in the league) with an astonishing tally of 22 assists.
Even though his unreal statistics have dropped to earth this season, where he managed only two assists so far but that is largely down to the fact that the Swedish playmaker has suffered from injuries throughout the course of this season.
Emil Forsberg is an excellent operator in the final third and can play anywhere across in the attacking department, preferably in the CAM or LM role. He is very good at providing through balls while his delivery from set-pieces is absolutely top class.
The €25 million-valued 26-year-old will definitely relish the chance of playing in the Premier League, should Arsenal make a move to sign the Leipzig playmaker.
#3 Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Kai Havertz can be deemed as one of the golden boys of the Bundesliga right now. The Bayer Leverkusen youngster is slowly making a mark in one of the best leagues in the world with his sensation performances with Leverkusen this season.
Despite being just 18-years-old, Havertz has already established himself as a key regular in the Leverkusen starting lineup under Heiko Herrlich. He has made 15 appearances this season, during which he has already notched up an impressive six assists as well as scoring a goal himself.
The famous football magazine, FourFourTwo rated him as the sixth best youngster in world football in November, which shows just how talented he really is. Havertz is reportedly valued at €18 million.
It's still early stages in Kai Havertz's development, meaning Arsenal could manage to bag a bargain, should they really dig into this highly talented midfielder from Germany, who is destined for greatness in the coming years.
#2 Hakim Ziyech (Ajax)
Arguably the most expensive player on this list, Hakim Ziyech is an assist king from Eredivisie.
Currently plying his trade in Ajax, the Moroccan sensation has already notched up nine assists and four goals, helping the Dutch giants maintain their lead at the top of the table. His record with the Moroccan national team is even more impressive with seven goals in just twelve appearances.
Creating chances for his teammates is one of Ziyech's main strengths. The 24-year-old is very fluid in the attacking half while his dynamic movements make it very difficult for the opposition to keep a track on him.
Furthermore, Ziyech is also very comfortable with the ball, even at full pace. In addition, his set-piece prowess and vision are also decent which makes him a complete package altogether!
Currently valued at €20 million by Transfermarkt.com, Hakim Ziyech is expected to make a big impact in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which could further escalate his price tag. Therefore, Arsenal would definitely want to seal a deal for the Ajax superstar in the January transfer window.
#1 Nadiem Amiri (TSG Hoffenheim)
Last, but not the least, is Hoffenheim's Nadiem Amiri, who should be the prime target for the Gunners.
A dynamic midfielder, honed by the tactical philosophy of 31-year-old Julian Nagelsmann, Nadiem Amiri is one of the most intriguing players in German football at the moment.
He can be deemed as a more dynamic version of Mesut Ozil, who just loves to create opportunities for his teammates whilst also having the ability to help his team out in defensive stances.
Unlike Ozil, Nadiem Amiri is more fluidic and his work rate in the final third is absolutely astonishing. He forms an important part of Hoffenheim's offensive pressing scheme which requires some terrific amount of athleticism as well as wit. And Amiri has both!
His meteoric rise in the Bundesliga has been clearly evident this season as the young German midfielder has already notched up 14 appearances for Julian Nagelsmann's side.
He has created 16 chances for TSG this season but has also attempted 45 tackles as well as completing 13 interceptions. Amiri, who has a valuation of €15 million, is undoubtedly a vital cog in the Hoffenheim midfield and most definitely a very good candidate to replace Mesut Ozil.
[All stats have been taken from Squawka.com]
[All transfer values have been taken from transfermarkt.com]
