Arsenal Transfer News: Mesut Ozil Enquiry Made by Besiktas, Latest Rumours

Turkish club Besiktas have reportedly made an inquiry into signing Arsenal star Mesut Ozil.

Former Besiktas board member Erol Kaynar said head of transfers Erdal Torunogullari "met with Mesut Ozil’s representatives last week and made an enquiry," per Metro. 

The Germany international has often struggled to replicate the incredible form he showed at Real Madrid, but the 26-year-old appears to be steadily improving his performances as he adapts to life in the Premier League.

So notes Jonathan Wilson for WhoScored.com:

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He dribbles more—2.4 per game as opposed to 1.7 per game, and, while key passes have fallen from 2.9 per game to 2.5, crosses have gone up from 1.4 to two per game suggesting that is a facet of him playing more games in wide positions rather than him actually becoming less dangerous.

But what is really telling is his defensive work, with tackles, interceptions and fouls all up... The improvement in his figures at least suggests a greater effort and a greater energy, a willingness to try to fulfil his defensive contribution.

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Despite suffering a ruptured knee ligament that kept him out from October to January, Ozil registered nine assists in all competitions and scored a further five.

As former footballer Rio Ferdinand notes, the German is already off the mark this season with an assist:

With Ozil slowly but surely justifying the large fee Arsenal paid for him, the club are unlikely to entertain any inquiries for his services.

As for the player himself, Besiktas would represent a significant step down. At 26, a move to Turkey seems inconceivable, as he's still in his prime years.

Instead of losing one of their key midfielders, Arsenal would benefit greatly from strengthening in that area, albeit slightly further back.

One possible option is Sevilla enforcer Grzegorz Krychowiak, who, according to Sean Kearns of Metro, is a target for the Gunners.

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Kearns' report indicates the Pole has a €30 million release clause, which is a source of concern for team-mate Vicente Iborra. He said: "Of course I’m concerned that Krychowiak could be taken away. I always want to have the best players in the team. He brings so much so I hope he stays."

The 25-year-old enjoyed an excellent season with Sevilla, his defensive solidity and ability to perform in the big games helping them win the Europa League final, in which he also scored his side's opening goal.

WhoScored.com shared one of his impressive stats from the campaign:

In defensive midfield, Arsenal only have Francis Coquelin and the ageing Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini.

Coquelin has already been booked twice this season after picking up yellow cards against Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

Should he get suspended or injured, the Gunners will lose some key stability in the centre of the park and damage their hopes of competing against their title rivals.

Krychowiak would make an excellent addition at the Emirates Stadium, but with manager Arsene Wenger so far unable or unwilling to secure another holding midfielder, a switch to north London seems unlikely.