Continuously disappointing performances by Mesut Ozil appear to have finally hit a dead end, with Arsenal being effectively forced into throwing in the towel and selling the midfielder. Arriving from Real Madrid in 2013 for an estimated £42.5 million, the German never managed to reach expected heights, showing signs of life at the start of his time in North London but going on to present crucial flaws in his game.
He was given ultimate freedom at Real Madrid through having defensive players around him who'd win the ball and open up the play for him to present his creative attacking flair, but he doesn't have as much relaxation at Arsenal, as he's expected to regain possession himself and work hard for every attempt at goal.
Each season saw him playing less and less for the club, and the arrival of Unai Emery gave him a second chance, only for him to fall at the first hurdle by displaying the same damning shortcomings. The 2018/19 campaign saw five goals and two assists in the Premier League from the German, and he didn't even contribute to their runners-up place in the Europa League, scoring one and assisting one over eight appearances.
Playing to no avail already put doubts in the mind of Unai Emery - who is often known as being fair to his players - but the lack of all-round ability and no sense of work rate looked to ruin any remaining hope of staying at Arsenal into next season. Mixed rumours hint at both options for Mesut Ozil's future, but it's more likely that he'll be moved on in order for the club to sign a handful of players in his place.
A return to Germany is the best outcome for Mesut Ozil
Most bookmakers who offer prices for potential summer transfers have dipped in and out of providing odds for Mesut Ozil's next club. Sky Bet are one of the only options for backing where the German could go at this moment in time, and they've made it clear that Borussia Dortmund are favourites, currently priced at 6/1.
Kicking-off his professional career at Schalke in 2006, it would be controversial for Ozil to move to derby rivals Borussia Dortmund, but it's a good place for restarting your career, and it's surely his best option considering how his stock has dropped through being underwhelming for the majority of his Arsenal career. Other German clubs that are given a price include Schalke at 12/1 and Bayern Munich at 16/1.
Closely following the option of signing for Borussia Dortmund, either option of moving to the Chinese Super League or Turkish side Galatasaray are priced at 8/1, followed by a marginally larger 9/1 price for Ozil to sign for another Turkish side in Fenerbahce. Besiktas and Istanbul Basaksehir are also given prices - at 10/1 and 14/1 - with it assumed that he could delve into his Turkish-German heritage by moving to the Turkish Super Lig.
Often seen as a retirement home for former greats, Major League Soccer could also be an option for Mesut Ozil if he feels like he can no longer offer anything to competitive football, pricing any MLS club at 10/1. Remaining alternatives are based around moving to clubs where he could continue a competitive career, pricing Juventus at 20/1 and Manchester United at 25/1.
Mesut Ozil Next Club Odds on Sky Bet
- Borussia Dortmund - 6/1
- Any Chinese Club - 8/1
- Galatasaray - 8/1
- Fenerbahce - 9/1
- Any MLS Club - 10/1
- Besiktas - 10/1
- Schalke - 12/1
- Istanbul Basaksehir - 14/1
- Bayern Munich - 16/1
- Juventus - 20/1
- Manchester United - 25/1
