There are strong rumours that Mesut Ozil will leave Arsenal this summer. With the German having just a year left on his contract, if he is unwilling to sign a new deal, Arsenal will have to let him go.
If he is to leave the club, due to a limited number of players who can play the attacking midfield role, Arsenal will be looking to buy a replacement. With Ozil having created 59 chances this season in 22 games, which is more than Eden Hazard, Dele Alli, and Philippe Coutinho, the Gunners will find it hard to replace the German.
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These are five players who could possibly fill the void if he is to leave the club this summer.
#1 Isco
The Spaniard would be a perfect replacement for Ozil, and with Madrid likely to sell this summer, he will be available.
This season, Isco has had a limited amount of game time due to the amount of talent in the Real Madrid squad. For that reason, the Spanish side are willing to sell him this summer and for a low price to avoid him moving to rivals Barcelona.
Isco’s close control and passing ability would see him easily fit in at Arsenal as a replacement for Arsenal’s current number 11. Isco is a real fan favourite at Real due to his consistency when given the opportunity, something Arsenal fans believe Ozil struggles with.
Additionally, Arsenal fans often complain that the German international does not do enough of a job defensively, and with 11 more tackles this season, Isco would clearly be an improvement.
However, the main aspect of the Spaniard’s game is his attacking ability and he would certainly be a fantastic addition to Arsenal’s team.
#2 Bernardo Silva
With six goals and seven assists this season, Bernardo Silva has better stats in terms of contributing to goals than the German.
Despite Ligue 1 not being as high in quality and competitiveness as the Premier League, Silva has also proved in Europe – for example against Manchester City – that he is capable of big performances. Even though they did lose at the Etihad, City’s midfielders often struggled to deal with Silva’s quick feet and ability as he created numerous chances over both legs, even gaining an assist in the return leg at home.
Arsenal’s fans have been furious with Ozil’s performances in big games so far this season, and that is something Silva has proved he is capable of.
Although the Portuguese played a lot from the wing so far this season, there is no doubt he is very capable of filling the void in a number 10 role if Arsenal are to lose Ozil this summer. However, at 22 years old and with many top clubs around Europe watching him closely, recruiting the Portuguese magician could be very difficult.
#3 James Rodriguez
The Colombian, per 90 minutes, creates more chances, has a better assist average and goal average than Ozil. He has played just 14 games this season, which would suggest that to play more minutes he will need to move in the summer. The Gunners should certainly monitor his current situation at Real Madrid, similarly to Isco.
Ever since the World Cup, Rodriguez has struggled to nail down a place in the Real Madrid side and has also struggled to deal with the hefty price tag that he was purchased for, which has put a lot of pressure on him as a 25-year-old.
However, a move to the Premier League and to Arsenal would allow him to flourish as the main player, similar to how he did for Colombia in the World Cup. Rodriguez is a very talented player who has all the attributes to play in the Premier League. He is a player who is outstanding at dribbling, intricate passing and shooting, making him a good candidate to take over Ozil’s role at Arsenal.
Given a long run in the team, where he is likely to be the best player with the team based around him, Rodriguez could prove to be a shrewd capture.
#4 Miralem Pjanic
Miralem Pjanic only recently moved to Juventus, which would mean it would be extremely difficult to convince the Bosnian to move to the Premier League. Additionally, with Juventus looking likely to win their league coupled with the fact that they are in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, they’re in a better position than Arsenal.
However, with the possibility of Massimiliano Allegri moving to the Gunners if Arsene Wenger is to resign as manager, Pjanic could make the switch with his Italian boss. The circumstances are unlikely, but it would certainly benefit the Gunners if they can produce the double switch.
The Bosnian’s passing range and vision mean he would fit in perfectly at the Emirates. Having already become very popular at Juventus for his tremendous performances, they would be very disappointed to see him and possibly their manager leave, however, Arsenal would be getting their hands on a true gem who would flourish in the Premier League.
#5 Nabil Fekir
At just 23 years old, Nabil Fekir is the youngest player of the five possible replacements for Mesut Ozil. However, with 79 appearances in Ligue 1 since the age of 19, the Algerian has plenty of experience and ability to play at the highest level.
With 51 created chances, Fekir is closest to Ozil in terms of creativity, proving that the Algerian could indeed flourish in Ozil's role if he was to make the move to Arsenal this summer.
Furthermore, if Wenger is to stay at Arsenal, Fekir would be the most realistic signing. Firstly, because he is likely to be the most affordable and the player most likely to want to move to Arsenal from their current club and secondly because of Wenger’s experience of buying players from Ligue 1 at a young age.
The Algerian is only likely to get better at 23 and could certainly be convinced to make a move to the Premier League, suggesting he would be a fantastic addition to Arsenal’s side as a successor to Ozil.
