Manchester United and Bayern Munich are reportedly plotting a summer swoop for Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil.
According to an exclusive report by Football.London, Manchester United are eyeing a shock summer move for Mesut Ozil, with Bayern Munich also monitoring the situation of the Arsenal playmaker.
A fan favourite at the Emirates Stadium, Ozil has been an integral part of Arsene Wenger’s plans ever since his £40 million move from Real Madrid in the summer of 2013. In fact, his form has played a key role in Arsenal’s fortunes over the last four seasons.
That has reflected in the current campaign as well, as with Ozil suffering an uncharacteristic dip in form this term, Arsenal’s season has unraveled as well. The German international has recorded just five goals and four assists in 22 Premier League games so far this season and he hasn’t quite been his creative best.
To make matters worse; with just 15 months left on his current deal, there is uncertainty surrounding Ozil’s future at Emirates, with talks on a renewal heading nowhere. This is despite reports that a bumper £280,000-a-week contract is on offer by Arsenal.
Ozil is believed to be holding out for a better deal from the north London club, meaning there is little clarity on his situation. As a result, clubs are now starting to circle around the Arsenal talisman, with Manchester United and Bayern Munich eager to add him to their squad in the summer.
Jose Mourinho, in particular, is keen on a shock reunion with Ozil having previously managed the 28-year-old at Real Madrid. And while the Manchester United boss has an abundance of attacking talents at his disposal at Old Trafford, Ozil will add unparalleled vision and creativity to his squad, making him more than a viable option.
However, a possible move to their rivals is unlikely to go down well among the Arsenal supporters, especially after Robin van Persie’s infamous move to Manchester United not so long ago. So, Arsenal are only likely to sanction a move to a club outside England. And, this is where Bayern come in.
The Bundesliga giants are keenly monitoring Ozil’s situation at Emirates as well, and are eager to bring the playmaker back to Germany. Mourinho’s counterpart at the Allianz Arena, Carlo Ancelotti has a similarly skillful squad at Bayern but Ozil will add definite quality to his squad.
Michael Ballack has also previously urged his compatriot to join Bayern in order to win more silverware. And with Arsenal likely to sell to a foreign club if their hand is forced, Bayern Munich are currently in pole position ahead of Manchester United to land Ozil in the summer.
Any possible move, though, will depend on the German’s willingness to stay in North London, and it remains to be seen how things pan out at the end of the season.
