Champions League runners-up Juventus are reportedly keen on signing Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil this summer, with the Italian outfit looking to bolster their attack in case they lose both Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal. The 26-year-old enjoyed his best form at the Emirates in the second-half of last season, and has made no public desire to leave the Gunners, so are Juventus wasting their time?
Arsenal spent £42.5M to prise the World Cup winner away from Real Madrid in 2013/14, where he has overcome a poor debut season to be held in high regard. Reports have suggested he will be the club’s No.10 for the new campaign, with manager Arsene Wenger wanting to make him the fulcrum of the team due to his creativity on the ball, so Juventus appear to be barking up the wrong tree.
The Italians are somewhat panicking this summer due to a large exodus already underway, which is why they’ve targeted a creative playmaker. Despite an impressive season that saw them winning the domestic league and cup double, while finishing runners-up in the Champions League final, Juventus have already lost a number of players from their attack, and are desperate to replace them with quality.
Influential midfielder Andrea Pirlo has left for the MLS and striker Carlos Tevez rejoined former side Boca Juniors, so manager Massimiliano Allegri has already lost assists and goals respectively. Midfielders Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal could be following the aforementioned duo out of the club this summer too, but a player like Ozil coming through the doors would somewhat soften the blow.
It’s easy to see why Juventus are keen, as they are looking for a player with the vision of the departed Pirlo, and the Arsenal man certainly has shown he belongs in such company. Ozil scored and assisted nine goals in 21 league starts last season, creating 69 chances. Juventus has bolstered their firepower in attack, and a midfielder like Ozil playing in behind could be the difference.
However, Arsenal really don’t want to sell their German playmaker, and would demand no less than £35M for his services. Such a fee could be paid from the sale of Pogba & Vidal, with astronomical figures being slapped on their heads, but do the Italians stand a chance in getting their man? Ozil has plenty of years ahead of him, while impressing in the last few months of the past season, so an exit would come as a real shock this summer. Are Juventus wasting their time? Who should they look to sign this summer?
