After months of speculation on whether Mesut Ozil will be parting ways with the Gunners, it has finally happened. Mesut Ozil is no longer an Arsenal player after having spent some precious time at the Emirates.
The German international who came to Arsenal under their talismanic coach- the one and only Arsene Wenger spent his final few days being kept on the sidelines by coach Mikel Arteta.
It’s definitely not the farewell he would’ve expected after having played at the highest level for the Gunners; experiencing both good as well as low times. But there’s nothing that can be done about it now. Ozil is no longer a Gunner.
Arsenal are in great form recently, have won 4 and drawn 1 of their last 5 league fixtures. They currently sit at 10th position with 27 points from 19 Premier League fixtures.
Mikel Arteta targeting Julian Brandt :
Amidst the names for Arsenal in the January transfer window comes the one of German international Julian Brandt. Brandt is a talented youngster who can play in both the forward line as well as the midfield.
However, some fans may argue that what is the requirement of Julian Brandt given that Emile Smith Rowe is playing so well? It is true that Smith Rowe has shown a lot of promise playing just in behind the forward line and partnering up with Pierre Emrick Aubameyang and Kieran Tierney on the left.
But Borussia Dortmund star can offer a bucket load of variations. His versatility is key and can be used extremely well by Mikel Arteta who likes to experiment with his formations.
Regardless of the form, Emile Smith Rowe is, if Arsenal are presented with the chance of buying Julian Brandt they should not hesitate. He can not only play as a left-winger should Aubameyang play as a striker but also as an attacking midfielder in behind the front three.
Arsenal in need of reinforcement after trimming down the squad:
Another name that is being highly linked with Arsenal at the moment is Real Madrid player Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian international is out of touch for his current club and is looking to leave Spain this transfer window.
Arsenal have got in contact with Martin Odegaard who is sure to leave Real Madrid this January transfer window. After having a wonderful time at Real Sociedad he was expected to do the same at Madrid. However, that’s not been the case. Mikel Arteta has acknowledged that the club needs new players after letting go of several. Left-back Sead Kolasinac has left and joined German club Schalke 04 along with William Saliba as well.
We have done the first part more or less and we are focusing now on the second phase. Obviously, this market and the context makes it difficult, but we are looking at options and we will see what we can do, said Mikel Arteta.
We could not carry on with 31 players in the squad. It is unmanageable. And when you have to leave some of the foreign players out, it makes it even more difficult. To do it for a few weeks is OK, to do it for months and maintain the health, the ambition and the chemistry is really complicated.
