Arsenal: Losing Mesut Ozil now only compounds the madness

Reports state that Barcelona are considering a deadline day move for Mesut Ozil. If Arsenal were to sell the German, it would only compound the summer transfer window madness.

Much of the transfer deadline day madness that Arsenal unravelled themselves within — it should be stated that this is madness of their own doing — centred on the future of Alexis Sanchez. Amid an incessant Manchester City pushing for his services, the question of whether he stayed or departed was one that was difficult to answer. Uncertainty reigned.

Ultimately, by hook or by crook, it came to pass that Sanchez would remain in North London as the Gunners pulled out of any deal thanks to concerns over whether they could find a suitable replacement in such a short time, even though a reported £92 million offer for Thomas Lemar was accepted.

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And now, as the dust has settled, it seems clear that Arsene Wenger was insistent, no matter the pressure otherwise, to keep hold of his star performers, namely Sanchez. But while Sanchez is, for the next season at least, safely an Arsenal player, his primary attacking partner, the man who he has blossomed alongside with a flourishing connection, is the subject of interest from none other than Barcelona.

With the Spanish window not closing until Friday, they have extra time to try and complete deal. The man they have reportedly highlighted as their main target is Mesut Ozil. Now, there have been some conflicting reports, some saying that Arsenal are demanding £55 million, others claiming that an approach has been made, but whether the interest is genuine or not, one thing that can most certainly be agreed upon is that selling Ozil now would compound the transfer madness of this summer.

For all of his faults, Ozil is still one of Arsenal’s most influential attackers. His elegant, languid style is often mistaken for laziness and apathy. But his accurate passing, his incisive vision and creativity, and his overall calming control when in possession are all invaluable traits, especially in the final third.

If he were to leave, even for a fee as substantial as £55 million, he would need to be replaced. Obviously, that is something that can no longer be done.

Had an approach for Ozil been made in mid-July, then selling becomes a more realistic possibility. There is time to adjust, adapt and pursue a suitable alternative. But now that the deadline has already passed, even with the threat of losing Ozil on a free in just 12 months time, it would be utterly foolish to allow him to leave.

Next: Arsenal: 5 things that must happen after deadline day

It’s fair to say that Arsenal have been a shambles this summer, especially as the window has drawn towards a close. But selling Ozil, after the window has closed, would be a new level of stupidity for a club that is notoriously idiotic. In fact, it’s so stupid, I almost expect it to happen.

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