Sunday, July 25, 2010

Is Arsenal Still in Mesut Ozil Race?

German youngster Mesut Ozil has become a hot property in the summer transfer window following his impressive showing in the recently concluded World Cup 2010 in South Africa. The Werder Bremen midfielder has now been a target of a number of European clubs including Arsenal.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was one of the earliest managers who showed interest in Ozil. However, initially Werder Bremen was reluctant to hear offer for the 21-year-old, but realizing that the player may leave the club as a free agent at the end of the next season as his contract expires next summer, the German club is now reportedly keen to receive offers for the attacking midfielder.

Naturally, it should be good news for Wenger, but the problem is that a number of a big spending clubs including Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid are also tracking the player at the moment.

Even Manchester United, who were reportedly interested to spend even £25 million for Inter Milan’s Wesley Sneijder, is also keen to secure Ozil’s service. However, still it seems that Arsenal is in the race of securing Ozil’s service.

First of all, Werder Bremen is currently expecting an amount around £15 million and Wegner may be tempted to spend the amount for Ozil knowing that Barcelona would once again revive their Fabregas interest next summer and it would be hard to keep hold on him. So, Wenger may consider Mesut Ozil as a like for like replacement for Fabregas and Ozil’s arrival could bolster the Gunner’s attacking line up significantly.

Secondly, Chelsea is currently looking to sign Brazilian midfielder Ramires from Benfica, while Manchester City is busy with James Milner deal. Barcelona may be Ozil’s favorite destination, but the Catalan side has not shown any strong interest yet. However, Real Madrid and Manchester United could give some stiff challenges to Arsenal.

With Steven Gerrard most probably staying at Liverpool and Kaka being out of favor, Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho could go for Mesut Ozil all the way, knowing that the 21-year-old would be able to serve for a long time.

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson is also in the lookout for the possible replacement of Paul Scholes who would retire at the end of the next season and Ozil could be a highly qualified candidate to replace Scholes.

Overall, Arsenal may face some strong challenges, but there is every possibility Arsene Wenger could land Mesut Ozil at the Emirates stadium ahead of the next season.

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