Isco-Ozil swap deal: The Gunners are plotting a swap move with Real Madrid, which could see Ozil returning to Santiago Bernabeu.
Arsenal are currently fifth in the Premier League. Their unbeaten run finally came to an end with a loss against Southampton last weekend.
The Gunners suffered another loss earlier this week as they went down to North London neighbours Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarterfinal.
The Arsenal fans noticed a significant absence in Arsenal’s squad against Tottenham, which led to speculations over the player’s future. Mesut Ozil has not been a first-team regular ever since the end of the international break last month.
After recovering from back spasms, Ozil made a comeback to the side last week, but was removed from the squad altogether against Tottenham. Unai Emery stated that keeping him out was a ‘tactical decision.’
Isco-Ozil swap deal:
According to Independent, Arsenal are preparing a stunning swap deal including Mesut Ozil and Isco.
Both the players have suffered from lack of game time under their new managers. While Ozil started the season strongly, he slowly faded under Emery to the point that he was removed from the squad in the North London derby.
Arsenal will investigate the possibility of a swap deal involving Mesut Ozil for Real Madrid’s Isco. [Independent]#afc pic.twitter.com/X2tXNudTsc
— LTArsenal™️ (@ltarsenal) December 21, 2018
Isco, meanwhile, reportedly had a fall-out with the manager, and had scarce opportunities in the first-team under Santiago Solari.
The report from Independent states that Real Madrid are planning a squad overhaul, and are likely to offload Isco due to his fitness issues.
Arsenal transfer news: Gunners eyeing Mesut Ozil swap deal for Isco as they target unsettled Real Madrid star: The German has fallen out of favour with Unai Emery with the Gunners ready to listen to offers for him in January : https://t.co/YIP9xGcfx8
— Sports News Today (@sntcor) December 21, 2018
Mesut Ozil has played with Real Madrid in the past, and is currently the highest wage-earner at Arsenal. The board reportedly believes that a swap deal with Real Madrid could ease the issues concerning wage-bill.
Arsenal are open to offers for Mesut Özil in January, with manager Unai Emery not currently having a clear role for him in the team after an issue stemming from a disagreement over his tactical role. [Independent] #afc pic.twitter.com/9r2b0TOboX
— afcstuff (@afcstuff) December 20, 2018
The report claims that there could be a difference in valuation, and that Arsenal will likely pay a fee to Real Madrid to sign Isco as well.
The other Premier League clubs like Chelsea, Tottenham and defending champions Manchester City are also in line to compete for Isco’s signature, according to the report.
I’m absolutely shocked. We are going to sell for peanuts the best player we’ve had since Cesc left only because our manager is stubborn enough to not play him to his strengths. My blood pressure is over 9000 https://t.co/T1qjaCRssq
— Spanish Gooner (@elspanishgooner) December 20, 2018
What next?
Arsenal will return to Premier League action on Saturday as they take on Burnley at the Emirates Stadium.
