Reports: Arsenal willing to sell superstar to Manchester United in January

What's the story?

Multiple reports emanating from the British press have claimed that Arsenal are willing to let Mesut Ozil leave in January. Shockingly, the Gunners are even considering a sale to Manchester United, with Arsene Wenger reportedly sanctioning the sale of the German. Ozil has yet to sign a contract extension, and with his wage demands far exceeding whatever Arsenal are ready to offer, the Gunners are hoping to cash in on the German in January itself. Jose Mourinho is a known admirer of Ozil and would love to link up with the German again, but faces competition from Inter Milan, who may be ready to offer Arsenal a much higher offer.

In case you didn't know...

Mesut Ozil spent his youth career with multiple clubs, before making his first senior appearance with Schalke in 2006. He fell out with a club over a wage issue and then moved to Werder Bremen in 2008 for €5 million, before Real Madrid signed him in 2010 for €15 million following his excellent performances in the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The German then became Arsenal's record signing in 2013, having been unsettled by the incoming Gareth Bale.

The heart of the matter

Despite his record of 3 FA Cups with Arsenal in 4 seasons, Mesut Ozil has faced plenty of criticism from former Arsenal legends, with his body language a pet peeve. The German's excellent chance creation record is often cited in his defence, although he has gone missing in big games quite often.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has noted that his side has coped with Ozil's injury absence with ease, and is thus willing to cash in on the German, as he is unwilling to meet Ozil's wage demands. The 28-year-old is demanding a wage of £350,000 per week, with Arsenal only willing to offer £275,000.

Manchester United are willing to pay the £42.5 million Arsenal spent on the German, which would satisfy both parties. However, Inter Milan may offer the Gunners a higher fee in the range of €60 million, with chairman Erick Thohir earlier confirming his interest in the German playmaker.

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Author's Take:

While this will undoubtedly bring back memories of Robin van Persie, Arsenal might just be using Ozil's sale to gazump Manchester United. There wouldn't be much space in their squad for Antoine Griezmann, and with Alex Lacazette already making it clear that he trying to convince his fellow Frenchman to join the Gunners, this could prove to be a blessing in disguise if all the moves go through.