That time of the year is finally swinging by again. Love it or hate it, the last week of the transfer window is widely regarded as one of the most exciting in the footballing calendar and this summers would appear unlikely to disappoint.
This window’s merry-go-round largely hinges on a potential world record move for Gareth Bale to the Spanish capital. With greater competition for places at Real could the capture of the Welshman spell the end for someone like Mesut Ozil?
With both Arsenal and Manchester United believed to be on the lookout, which Premier League club would be the best option for the highly talented German?
Ancelotti will soon be posed with the somewhat enviable task of fitting the likes of Modric, Isco, Ronaldo, Di Maria, Bale and Ozil into his side. The reality is something will have to give at Madrid given that we find ourselves in a World Cup year with star names keen to cement their place in national sides.
So what of Mesut Ozil?
One of many German born Turkish immigrants to have made a name for themselves on the European footballing scene, Ozil is regarded as being the most promising young creative influence in their national set up. In fact it was largely his impact on the national side that first allowed him to catch the eye of would be suitors Real Madrid. Impressive spells for both the U-21s and then full national side at the 2010 World Cup gained him global acclaim.
His U-21 coach Horst Hrubesch had the following to say about Ozil back in 2009:
”We in Germany are prone to rave about foreign players. We praise Wayne Rooney to the heavens, likewise (Cristiano) Ronaldo or Messi. But we have our own Messi. Our Messi is Ozil.”
A glowing appraisal it would seem of someone that now is apparently at the exit door of Real Madrid, surely his signature would be a major coup for any side?
Personally it seems odd that Arsenal and Man Utd are the clubs primarily linked to the German. Both sides seem bereft of that destructive midfielder to effectively break up play and Ozil clearly isn’t that man. That being said the clubs do seem intent on the German to bulk out their creative options.
So which club is the better option?
For Ozil going into a World Cup year the pre-requisite must be consistent game time at a Champions League club. Both clubs would see the 24-year-old German as their marquee summer signing and undoubtedly he would be guaranteed to be a key part of their respective sides going forward.
Does either side’s style suit the German more?
Ozil is known to be a somewhat lightweight creative spark that has the ability to unlock the opposition’s defence with apparent ease. Clearly this kind of asset would be desirable for any side, but I cannot help but feel the German may fit in better at a club like Arsenal. The onus there being on a more deliberative passing game as opposed to a slightly more direct style favoured by United. That being said watching United last night and you couldn’t help but wonder the impact someone like Ozil might have had on a pretty uninspiring display from both sides.
The main distinguishing factor between Ozil’s options at the moment is the potential for silverware. In reality the current squad Arsenal have is unlikely to secure top four let alone a major trophy. Of course this may all change with the acquisition of a few quality players in the upcoming week, but would this not be something of a risk for Ozil to make? There is never a guarantee that Wenger will act on his ambitions and bring in the quality they so obviously need.
By contrast, as much as people would like to sensationalize the power vacuum at United, David Moyes still possesses the same title winning squad that Sir Alex had. Whilst it is never a certainty, United definitely have a better chance of competing for major titles next year. For someone like Ozil entering the peak of his career surely the opportunity to win trophies now rather than as part of a project in coming years is the more enticing.
With a tantrum-like exit from the pitch during last night’s fixture against Granada, the end would appear nigh. Do either side really need Ozil or is he just the kind of luxury that is impossible to reject? A move to either club would be entirely justified for footballing reasons in my opinion, with success the more likely for at United but could individually flourish at the Emirates.
What do you think is the best destination for Ozil?
