Arsenal Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Mesut Ozil and Arda Turan

Arsenal star midfielder Mesut Ozil has reportedly held talks with Fenerbahce about a move to the club in the future.

That’s according to Turkish outlet Hurriyet (h/t Charlie Phillippe of the Daily Star) who have suggested that the two parties have met to discuss what would be a shock switch. As Phillippe noted, Ozil currently has just over two years remaining on his current deal with the Gunners.

Luis F. Rojo of Marca reported earlier this year that the Germany international was “not keen” on signing a new contract at the Emirates Stadium and that Barcelona were looking into the prospect of landing the former Real Madrid star. However, manager Arsene Wenger revealed last week that he was “confident” of Ozil extending his deal, per John Cross of the Daily Mirror.

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It’s easy to see why any Arsenal supporters would be a little concerned about exit rumours, because the German has enjoyed a fantastic season. As James Dall of ESPN notes here, often the midfielder has been a cut above other players on the pitch:

Ozil has arguably enjoyed the best season of his career. Not only has he totted up a magnificent 18 assists in the Premier League this term, but he’s consistently eluded opposition defenders. His ability to find space, take the ball in tight areas and find a team-mate under pressure has been vital to Arsenal breaking down deep-sitting foes.

As these statistics from Arsenal’s previous game, a 4-0 win against Watford, illustrate, he’s a midfielder who does a lot of his good work in dangerous areas:

A move to Fenerbahce may not be as ridiculous as it sounds initially. “In the future I want to wear a Fenerbahce shirt,” he told Sabah in July (h/t Phillippe) “It would be an honour. Everyone knows I am a Fenerbahce fan.”

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Still, a move this early in his career is surely not in the cards. It’s feasible to see Barcelona wanting the player and why Ozil would be keen on a move there. But he’s loved at the Emirates and is a key performer in one of Europe’s elite leagues. He won’t be going anywhere for a while yet.

Arda Turan Targeted by Chinese Super League Side

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According to Sport (h/t talkSPORT), a Chinese Super League team will offer reported Arsenal target Arda Turan an escape route from Barcelona.

Despite joining the Blaugrana ahead of 2015-16, talkSPORT state the Gunners “are monitoring Turan's situation and are keen on making a bid this summer.” It’s noted Barca will only sell for big money, but Sport have suggested “an unnamed Chinese club” have already been in touch about a potential money-spinning deal for the Turkey international.

While Turan hasn’t turned in performances to the standard he regularly did for Atletico Madrid, he’s still shown glimpses of class since making his debut in January. Here are some of his best moments in the iconic Blaugrana colours:

It’s suggested that the Catalan side aren’t overly keen on moving on the 29-year-old, but Spanish football expert Rafael Hernandez thinks the player’s sale could pave the way for improvements in other areas:

Turan could have a big impact in the Premier League. Arsenal have benefitted massively from the presence of Alexis Sanchez in forward areas, and while there are clear stylistic differences between the Chilean and Turan, their ability to blend finesses and ferocity is something that’s rare in English football’s top flight.

Still, it seems unlikely this one will go through. Turan is 29 after all, and while he’s a player whom Wenger would undoubtedly admire, it’s difficult to see the manager willing to part with the kind of money it would take to get the midfielder out of the Camp Nou, nor becoming embroiled in a potential bidding war.