The Transfer Deadline passed a few weeks ago, but the rumour mill does not stop. And this time involves a highly-coveted playmaker and his potential arrival to Manchester United. We are talking about Mesut Özil.
The Germany international has been linked with a move to Manchester United in the past few days. All signs indicate he won’t continue at Arsenal past this season, and The Red Devils have emerged as a viable alternative. Everything started with a rumour indicated that Jose Mourinho had the former Real Madrid star at the top of his wish list for next season.
What Are Özil’s Chances To Land At Old Trafford?
As stated above, Mourinho loves Özil and he would be keen to sign him. But everything depends on the timing. If United want to sign him during January, they would be forced to enter negotiations with Arsenal. And if they decide to wait until the end of the season, then they could snatch him up for free…unless he chooses to sign a pre-contract with a non-English club during January. So as we can see, things are quite complicated, especially because The Gunners are not likely to sell him to a direct rival. After all, United and Arsenal are among the teams likely to compete for an European berth next season.
From a purely tactical point of view, Özil would represent quite at the AM role. He thrives on a free role, and even though he would likely push Henrikh Mkhitaryan to a wider position, having those two creative threats in the final third would make United a very, very dangerous team on the attack.
Potential Concerns Of His Arrival
There are concerns related to how well he might fit in Mourinho’s tactical scheme, though. Everybody knows Mou does not like “lazy” players, and that has been one of the biggest talking points regarding Özil in the past few years. No one can deny his quality, but he lacks effort defensively. And sometimes he seems to be wandering on the pitch when he is not in possession of the ball.
There is no doubt he would thrive at United if we only take a look at his quality. And the presence of players such as Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic on his back would help him considerably. But United are set when it comes to playmakers and attacking midfielders. They need a wing player. And while Özil can feature on a wider stance, he is far more effective on a central position.
Despite the talent, United should not make a move for Özil. Unless he can sign on a free transfer, of course. Otherwise he would be too expensive and would only create a logjam in a position where United have enough depth for the foreseeable future.
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