What’s the story?
Mesut Ozil is all set to leave Arsenal and make a shock return to La Liga, although it will be in Barcelona’s colours, according to a report in Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo. The German superstar has reportedly rejected Arsenal’s offers of a contract extension and has his heart set on joining the Blaugrana, although Barcelona are hoping for a fee in the range of €35-40 million, given that the German will be in the last year of his contract come this summer.
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Previously...
Barcelona have come close to signing the German before, with Ozil revealing as much in his recently released autobiography. He wrote, “Before I travelled to Barcelona, I was convinced that was my next club. I was leaning toward joining Barcelona. There was no team in the world that played more beautiful football. But Guardiola did not attend talks and he did not call me either the days after. He did not even send me a text. He did not show me that he wanted to sign me as well. My interest in a move to Barcelona quickly decreased.”
Also Read: La Liga 2016/17: Mesut Ozil rejected Barcelona and signed for Real Madrid because of Pep Guardiola
The heart of the matter
Arsenal are in chaos at the moment, with uncertainty surrounding Arsene Wenger’s future and the club’s chances of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League in tatters. This has reportedly left Ozil disillusioned and he’s made it clear to the Gunners that he wants to leave the club this summer.
The report states that the German has his heart set on a move to Barcelona, with his agent sounding out Barcelona’s technical director, Roberto Fernandez, for a move. Barcelona were initially put off by the former Real Madrid star’s demands of a €12 million salary, but have come around after learning that Arsenal would be willing to sell the German for a modest fee, in exchange for a hands-off agreement with regard to Hector Bellerin.
Also Read: 5 possible replacements for Arsenal's Mesut Ozil
Signing a former Real Madrid player would be considered quite a coup in Catalonia, especially given Ozil was part of Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid, with whom Barcelona contested many ill-tempered Clasicos.
What next?
Arsenal would do well to recoup €40 million from the €50 million they paid for Ozil, as they risk losing the German for nothing if he stays till the end of the 2017/18 season.
Author’s Take
Mesut Ozil’s familiarity with La Liga and his selfless nature would make him the perfect foil for Messi, Suarez and Neymar in front of him. Barcelona are desperate to replace Andres Iniesta, and while the German’s stock has never been lower, Barcelona could make an extremely intelligent signing by tempting the Ozil to leave Arsenal.
