Arsenal Transfer Prospect: Has Mesut Ozil Proven He Can Replace Fabregas?

As Australia and Germany geared up to face each other in what was set to be a thrilling encounter in what is considered one of the "groups of death" at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It was Germany who prevailed, thrashing the Aussies four nil. In a whitewash encounter, one man stood tall in the German's smashing of Australia: Mesut Ozil.

The Werder Bremen midfielder was influential in the German's opening win. Ozil controlled the midfield causing havoc for the lacklustre Australian defence every time the ball was at his feet.

The 21-year-old's incisive passing and fluent movement shone as he continually created attacks from nothing, furthermore, the German starlet had a hand in every goal. Deservedly, the former Shalke '04 playmaker picked up the Man of the Match award, and has now secured the attention of every big name club.

Ozil has been rumoured to be linked with Arsenal, however, no deal is yet to materialize. But with captain and midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas set to depart the Emirates and rejoin boyhood club Barcelona, this could be a perfect opportunity for Wenger to pounce and secure the German's service regardless of the Fabregas outcome.

All of Fabregas's traits were evident in Ozil's performance last night. Instinctive passing and movement, his sensational reading of the play, and his ability to create threatening attacks from nothing.

Strengthening his appeal, Ozil is a mere 21 years of age, yet is harbouring the German attack and has 100 games in the Bundesliga. If Fabregas does leave the Gunners, it will be immensely hard to replace him. But with the presence of Ozil, the captain's departure will be seriously mitigated.