Several reports on Sunday night have hinted that Real Madrid playmaker Mesut Ozil will be joining Arsenal before Monday night’s transfer deadline.

Canal + suggested that the German will join Arsenal rather than PSG or Man Utd in a bid to further his career after seemingly fallen down the pecking order at Real after the arrivals of Isco and Gareth Bale, a claim supported by Al Jazeera, for whom Arsene Wenger works as a pundit.

Why leave Real?

There are many reasons why Ozil, left on the bench against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday afternoon, may leave.

The long-awaited confirmation of Bale’s departure to Spain has pushed Madrid’s spending to over £150 million, following the acquisitions of Isco and Asier Illarramendi. Madrid will have to seek ways to balance the books in light of the Financial Fair Play regulations.

With Angel Di Maria on top form and Karim Benzema the only recognised centre-forward at the club, Mesut Ozil is the most likely departure; young enough to command a high transfer fee, but not irreplaceable with Isco, Bale and Luka Modric able to play in his position.

A step down?

While Arsenal’s squad is nowhere near Real Madrid’s in terms of strength in depth, the London club would nonetheless offer Champions League football, a new challenge in arguably the best league in the world, and in light of the club’s financial success, would be able to at least match Ozil’s wages in Spain.

Significantly, Ozil could become the star man, which could appeal to a player so often substituted.

Furthermore, his German national teammates Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski could play a part in convincing the Turkish-descent midfielder to come to North London.

Signings Likely

After beginning the season in crisis, Arsenal now appears to be a club with high spirits. A hard-fought North London derby has restored the faith of many doubters and with Wenger suggesting in his post-match interview that signings will be made on Monday, the proposed move for Ozil could well come to fruition.

Pressed on possible new signings, Wenger stated that:

“maybe we have a good surprise for you”

Monday could prove to be a momentous day in the history of Arsenal Football Club.

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