Arsenal: Abroad, not Manchester, the Mesut Ozil paradise

Mesut Ozil is being increasingly linked with a move to Manchester United. Arsenal must repel any possible sale. Abroad, not Manchester, is paradise for the Gunners.

As 11 PM passed on August 31st, it was evident that Arsenal would be entering a season full of controversy and doubt. Throughout the summer, the dominant narrative was the future of just two players.

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Such is the quality and the influence of the pair, that their staying or leaving would, according to the media, the journalists, the pundits and many of the fans, determine the nature of the coming season. They were the pillars on which the team is built them; without them, it would fall.

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And that is clearly what Arsene Wenger believed. He consistency rejected any advances for either Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, in full knowledge that, with just a year left on their contracts, they could walk away from the club for nothing after the season was done. It was a brave decision. It may have even been a foolish decision. Only time will tell on that one. But, for now, the one consequence that is undoubted is the ambiguity and uncertainty that has transpired.

That lack of knowing has led a raft of rumour and report, suggesting one thing or another about their respective futures. One moment they’re staying with bumper new deals. The next, they’re signing lucrative deals with Manchester City in January. And the latest report to worm its way into the limelight links Ozil to Manchester United. We’ve seen this before.

North London star becomes disgruntled and unsettled with the lack of ambition shown by the club. He makes his concerns about the lack of investment made known privately, revealing worries that, as he reaches the latter years of his prime, titles and trophies are slipping away. As a result, he looks to force a move to one of the best teams in the country, no matter the relation.

Ozil at United is a terrifying prospect. For all of his flaws, with the supportive network like the one that he’d find at Old Trafford around him, the German would flourish. Arsenal cannot let this happen. Unfortunately, they have no say in the matter.

The only thing that they can do is keep hold of Ozil through the winter window, endeavour to come to terms on a new deal, however unlikely that may be, and then, simply, hope that Ozil chooses to move elsewhere, ideally, abroad.

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Arsenal will not get to choose their Ozil paradise. That is his decision and his decision alone. They have no power whatsoever. And if he does decide to join up with Jose Mourinho once again, then the Gunners will, as always, only have themselves to blame.