Arsenal: 3 reasons to sign Philippe Coutinho on loan

2. Mesut Ozil has failed

Should Coutinho arrive at Arsenal ahead of next season, he would likely replace Mesut Ozil as the attacking midfielder in Arteta’s 4-2-3-1 formation.

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Ozil has been given free rein under Arteta. Provided the ideal role in which he would usually flourish, the German has the license to drift throughout the pitch, picking up pockets of space wherever he believes he can best influence the match. If Ozil could design a role for himself, it would be this one.

And yet, despite this, he has largely failed. His overall play has been much-improved from his time under Unai Emery. He worked harder, he pressed, and he was smooth in possession, aiding Arsenal’s build-up play in deeper areas. But when it came to providing that cutting edge in the final third, he was invariably lacking. In 968 minutes in all competitions, Ozil provided one goal and one assist since Arteta took over.

Even in what has been considered a down year, Coutinho has eight goals and six assists in 1,382 Bundesliga minutes. That blows Ozil out of the water. Add in the fact that Ozil is earning £100,000 per week more than Coutinho, and the cost-effectiveness is nowhere to be seen in persisting. Coutinho is superior and cheaper. That is a no-brainer.