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What's the story?
Arsenal superstar Mesut Ozil is all set to make a shocking return to La Liga, with Barcelona readying a player+cash deal for the German international, according to a report in British news outlet, The Daily Star. The Gunners are demanding a fee around £88 million for their talismanic playmaker, but with Ozil's contract all set to expire in January, Barcelona believe they can purchase him for a significantly smaller amount.
The Blaugrana are willing to offer Andre Gomes and £20 million, which is valued at the £42.5m Arsenal paid Real Madrid for Ozil. Thus, the Catalans are favourites to push the deal through in January, so as to ensure the German does not move to Manchester United next season on a free transfer.
Also Read: What next for Mesut Ozil?
In case you didn't know...
Ozil was hot property in the world of football after the 2010 FIFA World Cup, with the German confirming that he held talks with Arsenal, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid, before finally signing for Los Blancos for a fee reported to be in the region of €15 million. After 3 seasons at the club, where he won a La Liga title and a Copa del Rey, Ozil signed for Arsenal on deadline day of the summer transfer window in 2013, for a record fee of £42.5 million.
Also Read: Top 10 Germans to have played in the English Premier League
The heart of the matter
Fresh off his match-winning performance in the North London Derby, Ozil has alerted plenty of big clubs, although Arsenal still hope to ensure he stays. However, if they can recoup the amount they spent on the German, Arsene Wenger is reportedly willing to let his playmaker leave the club.
Andre Gomes has been a resounding flop for Barcelona, but given his age, Wenger believes he can rejuvenate the Portuguese player, while also covering for the loss of Ozil. Ernesto Valverde has made it clear his 24-year-old star has no future at Barcelona and ought to leave in January, especially since it is a World Cup year.
Mesut Ozil's Real Madrid origins could prove to be a stumbling block for the deal, with Don Balon reporting that Gerard Pique is opposed to the move.
Also Read: 10 best midfielders in world football at the moment
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Author's Take:
Ernesto Valverde's system has room for a playmaker without defensive responsibilities and Mesut Ozil would be a perfect replacement for Andres Iniesta, while not breaking the bank in this inflated transfer market - unlike Philippe Coutinho. Arsenal will be willing to sell, and this is the deal Barcelona should prioritize in January.
