'%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 season is long, and the Gunners are already fragile. Combining an unprecedented form of attack along with a 'slow' midfield, Unai Emery's side is far from being the winners. With signings like Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Aubameyang, Arsenal still struggles in the midst of this ongoing season. However, the Gunners' chieftain, a German attacking midfielder, who seemed to have pushed our hopes over and under, is just not there.
Indeed, Mesut Ozil is on the brink of his own demise. After a disappointing world cup performance and retiring from the International squad, the former Real Madrid starlet hasn't quite made the impact that we'd expect him to make. Missing out his game against another struggling West Ham United wasn't the only sign that the former World Cup winner is going to exit the Emirates; An ongoing conflict with his current manager lies at the top of all the given reasons.
With a side in requiem, a manager under-fire and a tragic Mesut Ozil on the bench, the Gunners now need a replacement. Who are these 5 players that can replace the German International in the January transfer window?
#5 Sergej Milinkovic-Savic - Lazio
Speculations revolved around the Serbian number 10, as his world-class potential made every club crave his signature. From Juventus being the first to Real Madrid and Manchester United chasing the midfield Menace.
Unai Emery has been a part of plotting a transfer deal for the 23-year old. By signing the Lazio midfielder, the Spaniard is sure to replace his under-fire German playmaker. Milinkovic-Savic can perform what other players can't, and that is consistency. Be it a small time friendly match, to an upscale Champions League finals, he could be a the top gamble for the Gunners in the January transfer window.
#4 Marco Veratti
Often considered as one of the best central midfielders in the world, the Italian international was thought to have been on his way to Camp Nou. However, with alternatives in FC Barcelona's mind, the PSG maestro stayed where he is. A key factor here is that Veratti has already worked with Emery. Aware of his 'tactical miracles', he is sure to fit in with his team, no matter where he is. The midfielder can be the ultimate candidate to replace Mesut Ozil.
However, a €75million price tag could easily hinder the possibilities, but with Gunners being in desperate need of a new generation attacking third, chances are that a deal for the 25-year-old box to box midfielder will be completed.
#3 Thiago Alcantara - Bayern Munich
A product of the Barcelona youth system, the Spanish international is easily one of the best replaceable candidates for Unai Emer's number 10. The Bayern Munich midfielder now struggles with his spot in the team, with Corentin Tolisso and James Rodriguez being the maestros of the midfield, he needs a new dimension in his career.
Alcantara is reportedly being chased by his former team to replace Andres Iniesta, as he'd be happy to do; But Arsenal being aware of this, they'd do everything in their power to sign the Spanish International by hook or by crook. An intelligent box to box midfielder, Thiago can bring the definition that the Gunners lack. Being the number 10 at the Emirates, the Spaniard can do wonders with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Iwobi in terms of Scoring goals and building a technical playmaking system.
#2 Corentin Tolisso
The world cup winner and a core player of Bayern Munich's star-studded squad have been a key factor in the development of France's new generation of football. With his brilliant game construction, providing spaces between the lines for the offense, the 24-year-old is gearing up for yet another power-packed season with the Bundesliga giants. With consistency embed in his style of play, he is on the 'fury road' to becoming one of the best midfielders in the world.
Unai Emery's plans did include Tolisso, back when he was the manager of PSG, and could still consider signing the French International. Of course, the young midfielder has been demanded by many successful clubs, with Real Madrid being the top candidate, the former Lyon number 10 is an easy choice for replacing the current Arsenal number 10. He can do what Ozil has failed to, and that is adding depth to the Arsenal lineup. Combining with the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Lucas Torreira, Tolisso is the man to look forward to.
#3 Miralem Pjanic - Juventus
Be it the midfield, or the offense, the Bosnian maestro has always delivered. From Barcelona to Real Madrid, eying the possibility of signing the 28-year-old Juve midfielder. Recently combing his skills with Cristiano Ronaldo, he is sure to become one of the most complete midfielders on the planet. Lionel Messi recommended him as the replacement for Andres Iniesta, in the new generation of Barcelona's books
The truth be told, the midfielder could be out for a move this January, as the conflicting number of players in the current Juventus squad speak differently. Being on Arsene Wenger's list for a very long time, the Bosnian international is now level with Unai Emery's expertise. He could be on his way to the Emirates.
The €65million midfield menace is another candidate suitable for the replacement or Mesut Ozil, as his skills correspond to that of what the former German International used to deliver. It would literally be a jackpot for Arsenal if they are to secure his signature.
