Champions League qualification is gradually slipping out of Arsenal’s grasp with their continual loss of form. Team manager Arsene Wenger, not waiting to know what his team’s fate would be, is already in preparation for the Champions League and has been probing the transfer market in search of players to bring over to the Emirates. Star duo Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez are yet to commit their future to the club and according to reports by The Times, Arsene Wenger has identified Arda Turan as a prospective replacement for Ozil. Will he be able to take over the German playmaker role?
Taking a look at the qualities of both players, it is obvious the Turkish midfielder do not possess the same level of excellence as Mesut Ozil. Turan plays as an attacking midfielder but can also be deployed in a midfield role or attacking role on the wing. His presence on the pitch is always a threat to opposition. Turan has experience at the top-tier of football as he was an integral part of Diego Simeone’s squad when they won the La Liga title back in 2014.
The 30-year-old is mostly known for his ball control, dribbling skills, and vision. He is a prolific goal scorer, capable of setting up goals for his teammates and thrives in the difficult part of the pitch. His strength and agility in the middle of the park will add value to the squad. However, he has been unable to break into the first team at the Camp Nou. He is underutilized with just 17 La Liga appearances this season. He has found the net 3 times and set up three goals but he lacks the quality that took Ozil to the height he’s attained in his career.
Although this season has been unimpressive for Ozil with just 5 goals and 5 assists but even with that, he has scored more than Turan and if Wenger is looking up to him to replace Ozil, it would a catastrophic move. Wenger needs a more creative player to take Ozil’s place in the starting XI. Arsenal might not be able to find the perfect replacement for Ozil but Turan should not be considered at all.
At his age, he should not be considered for a long term deal as he would leave the club in need for another player to fill his position in a couple of year. Admittedly, the Turkish player is good and would add value to Arsenal squad but he would be better partnered with Ozil instead. If Wenger decides a replacement is needed for Ozil, a more creative player would better fill his position to get result on par with the ones the German brought to the club. Arda Turan is definitely not fit to replace Mesut Ozil.