Atletico Madrid are reportedly lining up a shock move to sign Mesut Ozil next summer on a free transfer.
According to a report by The Sun, Mesut Ozil could be set to make a shock return to the Spanish capital, where Atletico Madrid are interested in snapping him up on a Bosman deal. Arsenal, though, are eager to offload the German playmaker in January to recoup some money for his services.
Ozil joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013, and has been an instrumental figure for the Gunners over the last four seasons. The last twelve months of his stint at the Emirates, though, have been dominated by widespread speculations surrounding his future.
The Germany international has refused to sign the dotted line on a new deal, despite Arsenal putting several improved deals on the table for him. The latest among these proposed renewals would have put Ozil among the highest earning individuals in the Premier League.
But, the player seems adamant to run down his contract with the Gunners to seek a new challenge next summer. If widespread reports are to be believed, there is no dearth of interest in Ozil, with the latest club in his pursuit being Atletico Madrid.
According to The Sun, Atletico boss Simeone wants to offer Ozil a new deal worth around £200,000 a week with a huge signing on fee to bring him back to La Liga at the end of the season. pic.twitter.com/1xX8EUd7iR
— Aido (@HandofHenry) November 13, 2017
Diego Simeone is looking to pounce on the uncertainty surrounding Ozil at the Emirates, and is ready to offer a £200,000-a-week deal to him. While the figure dwarfs the riches on offer from Arsenal, it is believed that the player would be open to a return to the Spanish capital, having spent three successful campaigns with Real Madrid.
As per the report, he is unlikely to find any club that would be willing to pay close to £300,000-a-week, making the offer from Los Rojiblancos quite an appealing contract to consider.
As far as Atletico Madrid are concerned, Ozil’s addition would boost the creativity in Simeone’s squad immensely, making it almost a no-brainer to sign him, especially when he’ll cost nothing. Furthermore, with Saul Niguez being heavily linked with Manchester United, the German could become the perfect marquee signing.
And, having been one of the best players in Spain during his stint with Real Madrid, he is unlikely to take long to adapt to life in Madrid. Arsenal, though, are keen to sell Ozil in January for a cut-price deal as that would enable them to recoup some money in exchange for his services.
It now remains to be seen if the Gunners are able to offload Ozil in the winter transfer window, with the player giving no indication towards signing a new deal. If not, it will be interesting to see if Atletico Madrid sign him on a free transfer next summer, or if some other suitor emerge in his pursuit.
