Arsenal have experienced a mixed start to the Premier League this campaign, sitting in eighth place. But with only seven games played, there is huge room for improvement.
Mesut Ozil, who was brought in to link the strong Gunners midfield to their strikers, has been under heavy fire in recent weeks and despite his intentions to remain at the Emirates, Arsene Wenger may need to consider replacements should anything happen to their record signing.
With the January window coming up in a few months time, here are FIVE Ozil replacements Arsenal can consider.
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Marek Hamsik
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Name: Marek Hamsik
Age: 27
Position: Attacking Midfield
Nationality: Slovakia
Club: Napoli
Price: £25 - £30 million
Marek Hamsik, similar to Mesut Ozil, fits perfectly behind the striker as he very skilled at executing the defence splitting pass that the likes of Danny Welbeck or Alexis Sanchez would love to be on the receiving end of.
Last season he netted seven goals as well as providing five assist in 23 Serie A starts and could make the switch after revealing that he is not happy at Napoli. Wenger faces competition from most of the Premier League’s top clubs, with Manchester United, Chelsea, and Liverpool also interested.
Ross Barkley
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Name: Ross Barkley
Age: 20
Position: Attacking Midfield
Nationality: England
Club: Everton
Price: £50 million (Asking price)
Signing Ross Barkley to play as the club’s main attacking midfielder would be a huge signal of intent and could help clear some room for the quota of foreign players Arsene Wenger is allowed to register.
He is also considered one of the brightest talents in England and is being tipped to become a huge star. Many teams across Europe are also monitoring his situation, with Everton revealing that they will only accept an offer of £50 million for any negotiations to even begin.
Julian Draxler
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Name: Julian Draxler
Age: 21
Position: Left Wing
Nationality: Germany
Club: Schalke 04
Price: £37 million (Release clause)
Arsenal are currently in pole position to sign Julian Draxler after sources revealed that they are closing in on meeting his release clause. With Mesut Ozil still unable to find form, the young German could easily step into the No. 10 role.
If he could complete the move as soon as January, Arsene Wenger will surely know how to mould him into a huge star for his side in the future. At only 21, there is so much room for improvement and may even become their long term left winger for years to come.
Marco Reus
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Name: Marco Reus
Age: 25
Position: Left Wing
Nationality: Germany
Club: Borussia Dortmund
Price: £19.8 million (Release clause)
Marco Reus is currently one of the most sought after players on the planet after news stated that his release clause of £19.8 million will be active next summer. With the chances of an extended contract not likely, Borussia Dortmund will want to sell him sooner rather than later.
With a host of top European sides all chasing the German star, Arsene Wenger may need to offer a huge fee before his release clause triggers or face huge competition from sides that may have more spending power. Although he is injury prone at the moment, his potential cannot be overlooked.
Isco
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Name: Isco
Age: 22
Position: Attacking Midfield
Nationality: Spain
Club: Real Madrid
Price: £35 - £40 million
Once dubbed as the next Steven Gerrard, Isco is the perfect playmaker Arsene Wenger could call in to replace Mesut Ozil. He can also be moved to the left wing when asked and with very limited time at Real Madrid, a move will only be beneficial to his career.
He only made two starts for the current Champions League winners this season, but has already registered three assists so far. Wenger should know that if he can use him week in week out, Isco will become a vital member in his return to the top.