Manchester United Transfer News: Huge Mesut Ozil, Jose Mourinho Rumours Emerge

Jose Mourinho will reportedly launch an ambitious bid to sign Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil should he be appointed Manchester United manager.

That’s according to TuttoMercatoWeb (h/t Tom Beck of Goal), where it has been stated the Portuguese views the midfielder as a key acquisition. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger could reportedly be tempted to cash in on the German should the club receive a massive offer, even if it means selling to a domestic rival.

It’d be a remarkable transfer if it were to come off. As we can see here, courtesy of Squawka Football, Ozil has enjoyed a tremendous 2015-16 season:

It’s arguably been the finest season of the German’s career to date. While Arsenal will end the campaign empty handed, Ozil has provided many memorable moments for the Emirates Stadium faithful.

Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images

His technical ability is sublime, able to cushion long passes, drift past defenders and find space on the field. But it’s his vision and passing range that makes Ozil stand out from so many other players who operate in this area of the field; his 18 assists in the Premier League this season are testament to his creative ability.

The midfielder’s form dropped off a little as the campaign progressed. However, Bleacher Report’s James McNicholas recently stated the club shouldn’t consider a sale:

There will be some concerns among Arsenal fans. Not only has the team gone another season without a significant title challenge despite the influence of Ozil, but the player himself has yet to agree a new contract with the club; his deal expires in 2018.

Luis F. Rojo of Marca reported earlier this year Barcelona were considering a move for the former Real Madrid man, and now United have been linked. However, Ozil doesn’t immediately strike as a player who fits the Mourinho blueprint, although the pair did work together with Los Blancos.

The Portuguese has spoken highly of the German previously. “Mesut is a phenomenal player, one of these players that you buy to complete the puzzle of your team,” Mourinho said in 2013, per David Hytner of the Observer (h/t the Guardian). “You don't need time with him, you need nothing. The player just arrives.”

Alastair Grant/Associated Press

As these numbers from Match of the Day illustrated in April, Ozil has set new standards in chance creation when it comes to a Premier League season:

It’d be a huge surprise to see this move come off. Not only would United be met with staunch resistance from Arsenal regardless of Ozil’s contract intentions, but it doesn't seem the kind of signing Mourinho would make in his first season as manager. Adding structure, energy and defensive awareness has always been key to the Portuguese's ethos.

For Ozil, it’d be a sideways step too. The chance to work with Mourinho again could be appealing to the player, but United are no better placed than Arsenal to challenge for major honours. As fascinating as it would be to see, plenty needs to fall into place before this deal looks remotely feasible.