Germany legend Michael Ballack has urged Arsenal’s attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil to consider moving to Bayern Munich in the summer.
Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack has told Arsenal star Mesut Ozil to leave the London outfit in the summer to join Bayern. Ballack believes that Ozil’s chances of winning silverware will increase if he decides to move to Munich.
In an interview with German media outlet Bild (transcribed by Sky Sports), Ballack said: “Mesut is an amazing player. A lot of clubs would love to have him. If you are a top player in England, the cult around you is bigger than in Germany.
“You are treated more respectfully, especially. These are all reasons for an extension. But if he wants to win a major title, he has a bigger chance to achieve that at Bayern.”
Ozil moved to the Emirates in the summer of 2013 for a reported £40 million. Having proven his worth at the World Cup and then with Real Madrid, there was tremendous expectations vested on his shoulders when he signed a five-year deal for the Gunners.
Now in his fourth season at the club, Ozil has gone one to become an integral member of manager Arsene Wenger’s plans at the club. The German has made the number 10 position his own, and has formed an incorruptible understanding with Alexis Sanchez in the final third.
However, much like Sanchez, Ozil too, has been linked with a move away from Arsenal particularly due to wage disputes. The 28-year-old’s contract expires at the end of next season and is reportedly holding out for wages of £250,000-per-week to put pen to paper to an extension.
Wenger has reassured the Arsenal faithful that Ozil will extend his contract at the Emirates, but another season without a legitimate title challenge could see the German start to consider his options come the end of the campaign.
Sanchez, on the other hand, may not be an Arsenal player come the start of the 2017/18 season. The Chilean has been pivotal in front of goal this term, and would be a huge miss should the club fail to hold on to him.
The 27-year-old has attracted interest from Ligue 1 giants Paris St. Germain and is understood to be considering a move to the Parc des Princes to join forces with Unai Emery in France.
