As Mesut Özil’s Arsenal future remains uncertain, it’s time for fans to accept that they’ll be losing their star man. The German himself must now envision a football career without Arsène Wenger and seek a club that can satisfy his financial needs as well as playing ones.
At the age of 28, time and options are running out for the Arsenal midfielder and he’s been left with minimal time to achieve his dream of Champions League success. Özil has his eyes set on Europe’s elite clubs, however, due to his form this season he may have to lower his high expectations.
Also read: 5 stars Arsenal need to sell to become competitive again
As one of the most creative players in football history, the German deserves to share with the world his talents, rather than waste his time at a faltering North London club.
Here are five possible destinations for Özil this summer.
#5 Fenerbahçe
As a Turkish-born German it’s only fitting Mesut Özil returns to his roots as a player in Turkey. Last month it was reported that the Super Lig runner-ups were willing to save Özil from his London nightmare.
It’s a well-known fact that the 28-year-old playmaker regularly stays in Istanbul any time the club gives him time off. He’s already accustomed to the culture, city and people, so a move there would not require any adjustment period.
With renowned players like Robin van Persie, Martin Skrtel and Jermaine Lens at the club, Özil would instantly be surrounded with suitable quality. Fenerbahçe usually play in a wide 4-3-3, hence for Özil to fit in, he would have to be the more advanced of the two CMs. This reduces the team’s defensive solidity, however, the German would more than compensate through his exceptional attacking output.
#4 Inter Milan
In June 2016, Inter Milan were bought over by Chinese retail firm, Suning Commerce Group. The retail giant invested $307 million into the club to ensure they held a majority stake. The Chinese owners are reportedly planning a multi-million spending spree in the summer to help restore Inter to its former glories.
Inter currently sit 6th in Serie A, a staggering 19 points off league leaders Juventus. Mesut Özil could just be that signing to spark a revival at the club.
The world’s greatest playmaker has the ability to turn the club’s fortunes around and make them the great club they once were. Players like Samir Handanovic, Geoffrey Kondogbia, Ivan Perišic and Mauro Icardi have already elevated the status of the club but the signing of Özil would further fortify their ambitions.
#3 AS Monaco
As the best attacking side in Europe, Leonardo Jardim the innovator is still looking for ways to improve his side. The Portuguese manager has constantly tweaked and tinkered with his side’s set up to ensure they stay as lethal as possible. As the forward thinker he is, it makes perfect sense for the Monaco manager to recruit the services of Mesut Özil.
In his tenure at Arsenal, Özil has created 468 chances in 150 games, that’s remarkable. That kind of creativity fuelled by the lethal finishing of Radamel Falcao and Kylian Mbappe could be a fatal combination.
A combination that would easily fire Monaco to back to back league titles and further progression in the Champions League. Monaco have the money, the players and the ambition – it’s a match made in heaven.
#2 Borussia Dortmund
With Mario Götze out for the season due to a metabolic disorder, he has left the German side with limited creativity in the middle of the park. Thomas Tuchel is in dire need of a chief creator to feed his struggling Dortmund side. Tuchel’s side is filled with young, mazy dribblers that exuberate enthusiasm but lack game management.
At the age of 28, Mesut Özil has the experience of winning a World Cup under his belt; he could be the locker room figure to galvanise Dortmund’s exciting squad.
Borussia Dortmund currently trail Bayern Munich by 15 points, something that hasn’t happened in recent years. Germany’s second most famous club have not lived up to expectations this season and they need an overhaul in their front 6 options this summer. Özil would seamlessly fit into Tuchel’s 4-2-3-1, significantly helping to reduce the gulf in quality between Dortmund and Bayern.
#1 Paris Saint-Germain
After being on the receiving end of the most remarkable comeback in Champions League history, PSG are a team in free-fall. As well as this, the French champions trail Monaco in the Ligue 1 title race with only 7 league games left. Unai Emery’s job security has never been lower and the Spaniard is now scrambling to find a solution to stop the rot. Mesut Özil could and should be that solution.
When in possession, Özil slows down the whole game to his pace and liking. He would be the one to steady the rocky PSG ship, effectively bringing a new dimension to their build-up play.
Edison Cavani, a striker renowned for his final third movement, would thrive on the through balls from the German. Angel Di Maria and Lucas Moura would also provide the in-behind options needed for Özil to showcase his talents.
As the 4th biggest club in Europe, PSG would offer the German the chance to win more league titles and a better chance at winning the Champions League. In return, PSG would receive the world’s most creative player as well as a former World Cup winner.
