- Arsenal could lose Mesut Ozil on a free next summer, or could opt to sell in January
- German international’s contract set to expire
- Inter playmaker Joao Mario linked with move, set to leave Nerazzurri
- READ MORE: Arsene Wenger identifies shock former Arsenal player to be his successor as Gunners manager
Arsenal could be in the market for a playmaker in January, and reports claim that they could swoop for out-of-favour Inter ace Joao Mario.
The Gunners potentially face a difficult situation, as with Mesut Ozil’s contract set to expire at the end of the season, they risk losing him for nothing if a new deal isn’t agreed upon before then.
In turn, selling him in January could be an option to secure some sort of transfer fee for him, but that would mean losing a key cog in Arsene Wenger’s side six months earlier than necessary.
It remains to be seen how the situation plays out for the German international, but as noted by The Sun, via TuttoMercatoWeb, a possible replacement could be available in the January transfer window for €30m in the shape of Inter’s Joao Mario.
Ultimately, losing a player of Ozil’s class and quality is always going to be a huge blow and he’ll be difficult to replace, and it’s questionable as to whether Arsenal are looking in the right place with Joao Mario.
While the Portuguese international has shown his ability with Sporting Lisbon and the national team which effectively earned him his move to Italy last year, he hasn’t quite proven himself in Serie A which perhaps raises question marks over Arsenal reportedly considering investing so heavily in him.
He’s found starts hard to come by so far this season under Luciano Spalletti, with his last coming in September, as he has four assists and no goals in 10 appearances so far this season and ultimately has struggled to establish himself at the San Siro.
Whether a move to Arsenal would suit him and bring out the best in him again is up for debate, but on the face of it, this may not be the most inspiring of signings for the north London giants as they possibly prepare for life after Ozil.