Arsenal: Mesut Ozil, Joao Mario swap derogates replacement search

Inter are looking to get Ozil on a bosman next year. Arsenal want Joao Mario in return. But he isn’t good enough to replace Ozil.

The Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez contract extension saga has been going on for last two years. It now seems almost inevitable that both will leave. Arsenal bought both of them with much optimism and fanfare from Real Madrid and Barcelona, respectively, two of the most respected clubs in the footballing world.

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These two were meant to usher in a new era of success at the Emirates. As it stands, neither the success came (can’t count FA Cups), nor the signatures from the two talismans.

As desolate as it sounds we need to replace them. But not with just anyone. With quality players! In this inflated transfer market!

Which will be difficult after we most likely let them go for free. Alexis Sanchez was linked with an exit, and Arsene Wenger was looking to get the exciting Thomas Lemar as his replacement, but that fell through on deadline day. While the transfer rumors secluded the German.

According to reports, Inter are sniffing around after the German creator. Inter boss Luciano Spalletti wants to get him on a Bosman next summer. Being a major coup for them, Arsenal sense that they can trade. And thus, the possibility of a Ozil plus cash deal for their attacker Joao Mario is mooted.

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The 24-year-old Mario joined Inter in a €40m switch from Sporting Lisbon last summer. He became a key figure since last season. Under Luciano Spalletti, he has created four goals in six appearances this season.

While working on finding the replacements is welcoming, Joao Mario as a replacement simply isn’t. He does have wonderful technique, an extraordinary football IQ and a selfless work rate.

He has talent and creative prowess, but isn’t the caliber of player to replace Ozil. His lack of pace and bad finishing doesn’t suit the wide creative attacker needed in a 3-4-3 system. Besides, his style of play is more of a classic No. 8, a player more suited to the ‘Ramsey Role’.

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Ozil is a creative genius and the Portugese star isn’t an apt replacement. But the next Swede superstar Emil Frosberg is. The world’s most valuable Bosman, Leon Goretzka, is. Even a fit again Jack ‘Zidane’ Wilshere is. Or simply the best option, Mesut Ozil. Just with a new contract.