'%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)
At the start of the year 2018, both Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez had only six months left on their contracts, while Alexis jumped the ship and moved to Manchester United, Ozil decided to stay with Arsenal.
For his decision to stay with the Gunners he was awarded with a new three and a half-year contract making him the highest paid player in the club's history.
With the arrival of Unai Emery, many expected Ozil to have a key role but instead, Ozil has hardly flourished under Emery and he has been often criticised for having a bad work rate compared to other players.
He was linked with a deadline day loan move to PSG, but it was rather Ozil who rejected the chance to join the Ligue 1 side for rest of the season.
Though he may have stayed with Arsenal for rest of the season, if a player of his calibre does not get the minutes he wants, it is highly likely that he would want to leave the Gunners to get more playing time.
If Ozil leaves Arsenal they will have to enter the market for replacement and here are five players they should target to replace the German.
#5 Ivan Perisic (Inter Milan)
The Croatian international has been one of the best players in the Serie A since his arrival in Itlay and he has been one of the best performers for Inter Milan as well. A skilful winger full of trickery and creativity is the kind of description that would suit the former Wolfsburg man.
Currently, in the Arsenal squad, there is no proper winger. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Iwobi have been used widely on the left wing sometimes, but Perisic can play as a proper winger on the left and give the Gunners attack a new weapon.
Perisic is capable of playing anywhere on the attacking side of the pitch as a winger and also as a No.10.-something similar to Ozil. Though Ozil maybe a better playmaker, Perisic is a goalscorer as well. In 214 appearances for Arsenal Ozil has scored 41 goals while Perisic has scored 34 in 143 appearances for Inter only.
The former Dortmund winger was linked with a loan move to Arsenal but Inter Milan did not allow him to leave. While Inter has been also linked with a move for Ozil, a possible swap deal would be beneficial for both clubs as well as the for the players.
#4 James Rodríguez (Bayern Munich on loan from Real Madrid)
The Colombian is undoubtedly one of the best playmakers in world football right now. He can score goals and provide assists as well. The Bayern Munich star on loan from Real Madrid is only 27 years old and he already has plenty of experience at the top level.
James is a versatile midfielder capable of playing at several positions across the midfield with an elegant technique and a deadly left foot. Considering the inflation in the transfer market right now and availability of a player of his quality Arsenal should not hesitate in signing him as a player of his quality should improve the Gunners squad.
Both Ozil and James have a similar playing style but the former Real Madrid midfielder has already shown that he can provide a good work rate which Emery demands and he is also about to reach his peak as compared to Ozil who is already 30. If James comes to Emirates for Ozil it is unlikely that the Gunners miss the German.
Also, according to reports, the Gunners see Rodriguez as a long term replacement for Ozil and have made contact with Real Madrid for the former Porto man but they are likely to face competition from FC Barcelona as well.
#3 Juan Mata (Manchester United)
Juan Mata is probably one of nicest footballers in the world. He was a two-time Chelsea Player of the Year before being sold by Jose Mourinho to Manchester United. At Old Trafford, he has been mainly used as a squad player and he has failed to materialise a regular starting position at United.
Despite this, there is no denying that Mata is still a quality player and he has shown this during his time with Valencia and Chelsea. Also, Emery has previously worked with him and he knows how to get the best out of him.
If we speak strictly in financial terms, Mata will be the best option with guaranteed quality. He is in his final five months of his current contract with the Red Devils and will be a free agent next summer. If Arsenal do sell Ozil, Mata with his creative ability, experience, and zero transfer fee will definitely be a very smart buy.
According to reports, Arsenal want to sign Mata next summer for free but the Red Devils are trying very hard to stop Mata from joining Arsenal next summer on a free transfer.
#2 Julian Draxler (PSG)
Julian Draxler at one point of time was touted to be the next big thing in German football. While he may not have lived up to the billing so far, there is no denying that the German international is a talented lad.
Draxler is known for his quick feet, power and speed. He is currently plying his trade in France for PSG. The World Cup winner is only 25 years old but due to high-profile arrivals, such as Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, have seen his playing time reduced at Paris.
Though he may insist that he is happy with PSG, a move to Arsenal, which guarantees more playing time, would definitely be tempting for him. Draxler is capable of playing as a No.10 and he is likely to improve with age. Also, Emrey knows him from their time together at France.
Due to playing style and potential he would be a good replacement for Ozil. With possible money available from Ozil's sale, the move for the former Schalke man could be funded.
#1 Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen)
Kai Havertz is a name which might not be as popular as others on this list but the Bayer Leverkusen youngster has already been linked a with a move to the likes of FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
Havertz is a two-footed player, technically gifted and he has been often compared with Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.
Still only 19 years old, Havertz has shown plenty of promise having made his debut at the age of 17 for Leverkusen. He is a player around whom Arsenal can plan to build their team for years to come. He would also a good long term buy and it should also promote Arsenal's philosophy of giving chance to young talent.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the German international and regardless if Ozil remains at Arsenal or not, he is a player whom the Gunners should look to sign. The midfielder definitely has something special and is likely to be a world class player in the future.
