At this point in time, we know there is no danger of Arsène Wenger selling Mesut Özil. It was rumoured that Juventus were interested in signing the World Cup winner, but Arsène has since closed the door on any potential deal.
In truth, this was no more than paper talk from the beginning. It was obvious that Arsène would have no interest in selling Özil, and unlikely that Özil, who has won two major trophies in two seasons at the Emirates, would want to leave.
Add that to the signings Arsène has made since signing the German and any deal involving him leaving the club becomes even more unlikely. Add one or two more quality signings this summer, adding to Alexis Sánchez and Petr Cech, and the club is showing its intent to mount a serious title challenge.
Mesut Özil is a key part of Arsenal’s bid to win the Premier League title next term, especially if he occupies the number 10 role next year, which he is expected to do.
It would be fair to say that Özil had a good season at Arsenal, last year. Nothing more, nothing less. He did show flashes of the brilliance we know he has and, should he play in his favoured position next season, I believe he will more than live up to his club record price tag.
A fully fit midfield around Özil next season would mean the likes of Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott would all be looking to link up play with him.
Add that to Giroud and Danny Welbeck up front, and Mesut Özil will shine in a central role. It has also be reported that Alexandre Lacazette could be allowed to leave Lyon for a fee in the region of £35million.
Should Arsène decide to add the talented Frenchman, who has previously stated that he would want to move to a Champions League club, to his ranks, his pace and goal scoring ability would see Özil’s assist tally sky-rocket.
So far, Özil hasn’t lived up to the heights he reached at Real Madrid, but, then again, Arsenal are not a team who can reach the heights of Madrid either. Not yet, anyway.
It would make no sense for Özil to want to leave now, or for Arsène to want to sell him, when the team are finally on the cusp of challenging Europe’s Elite.
The Premier League should be one of three competitions the club are looking to realistically win next season, should the right additions be made in the transfer market.
It would be nice to retain the FA Cup for a second time in a row, but the Champions League is where Arsène, and the squad, should be setting their sights, and Mesut Özil will be needed to achieve it.