Arsenal handed chance to sign closest thing to Mesut Ozil as his replacement

Arsenal: Arteta admits team will miss Ozil’s quality

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been presented with the chance to sign the perfect replacement for Mesut Ozil, after Martin Odegaard decided he wants out of Real Madrid. The German international is in Turkey to finalise his move to the club he supported as a child, ending his seven-and-a-half-year spell in north London.

Ozil’s involvement for Arsenal has been limited for the past two years and his influence on the Gunners has deteriorated over time.

Yet during the final chapters of Arsene Wenger’s reign, there was not many better playmakers in the Premier League. If any.

He recorded 19 assists in the 2015/16 Premier League season, falling just one short of Thierry Henry’s record of 20 in a single Premier League campaign – later matched by Kevin De Bruyne in 2019/20.

Arsenal have been starved of creativity in his absence, something that was laid bare during their recent slump in November and December, sparking calls to reintegrate Ozil.

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Emile Smith Rowe has shown huge promise in recent weeks and is now a regular starter for the Gunners.

Ozil even gave the attacking midfielder his seal of approval, claiming the youngster was making the difference following the 4-0 win at West Brom.

Yet for all of Smith Rowe’s impressive work, Arsenal need an influx of productivity if they’re to reestablish themselves as Champions League regulars.

Having reverted back to a 4-2-3-1 system, there is room for a new No 10 to take centre stage at the Emirates.

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And there is a certain left-footed playmaker from Real Madrid approaching his prime, that draws natural comparisons to Ozil.

According to Marca, Martin Odegaard has told Zinedine Zidane he wants out of the club this month due to a lack of game time.

The Norwegian was one of the best players in La Liga last season with Real Sociedad, as Real Madrid decided to keep him.

Naturally, Zidane’s trusty old guard in midfield have made things difficult for Odegaard in terms of minutes.

But he would make a fine acquisition for any side in world football, not least Arsenal.

The 22-year-old reportedly has a £311million release clause in his contract but should Real Madrid decide to offload him, he’ll be available for much cheaper than that.

Arsenal have been linked with a loan deal for Isco and Vinicius Jr this month but if they’re to sign anyone from Real Madrid, Odegaard fits the bill perfectly.

Like Ozil, he holds the key to unlocking the door particularly when teams defend deep.

He has incredible vision and the passing to match but the Norway international also possesses an eye for goal.

Crucially for Arteta, he is also comfortable playing out wide and in multiple systems.

The attacker is likely to come back to haunt Real Madrid should they decide to cash in and Arsenal is the perfect environment for Odegaard to elevate his game to the next level.

Arsenal may not have the funds to complete a permanent deal just yet, but negotiating an initial loan at the very least would certainly be a step in the right direction in securing the heir to Ozil’s throne.

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