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As the January transfer window is approaching, speculation about Mesut Ozil continues to mount. While Arsene Wenger has clearly stated that Ozil won't be leaving in the January window, it is difficult to foresee the management letting a player they bought for £42.5 million to leave for free. Manchester United have emerged as the most likely suitor for a cut-price deal, and would probably want to snap him up as early as possible, even if it means paying an extra £20 million.
However, the question remains, is Mesut Ozil worth it?
Age is a hindering factor. The midfield maestro turns 30 around the start of next season, and isn't likely to have more than a couple years left in his prime. His huge wage demands are another problem, and it is likely he'd expect wages north of his current 7.2 million GBP annual salary.
However, the biggest problem, according to me, is where exactly a player like Ozil would fit? Manchester United have a plethora of attacking talent. Ozil would be competing for a spot with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Juan Mata, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard.
On his day, Mkhitaryan can change the game. He had five assists in the first five games of the Premier League season, and while he is currently out of favour, it is difficult to imagine that being the case for much longer. Rashford boasts an impressive return of 8 goals and 4 assists across competitions, while Martial boasts an even more impressive 8 goals and 5 assists in fewer starts.
Mata adds a unique creative output to the side when he plays, while Lingard's outstanding attacking work rate, exemplified by Manchester United's first goal against Arsenal, is matched only by a few. On top of all this, Andreas Pereira, who is shining as a loanee at Valencia, will also be competing for a spot at Manchester United next year.
While Ozil has definitely impressed in his time at Arsenal, it is difficult to imagine him finding a first-team spot regularly at Manchester United, and paying exorbitant wages to a player who spends half his time on the bench is difficult to justify. Manchester United should instead look to develop and give more opportunities to their existing crop of younger players, which will guarantee long-term rewards.
However, even if Manchester United do end up looking at the transfer market, there are many younger, and better options available. While Lorenzo Insigne would command a significant transfer fee, his slick movement and a phenomenal crossing ability, one that most United players currently lack, would see him slide into the first team. Goretzka is another option, and his ability to play deep would let the team shift seamlessly to a 4-3-3 formation when required.
That is not to say that Ozil has his own perks, and is a good creative player in his own right. However, he may be better suited to a club like Barcelona that lack quality alternatives in his position.
