Their new Ozil: Arsenal ramp up move to sign £88m “generational talent”
It might not have led to a Premier League title, but Arsène Wenger still had some sensational players in his later years at Arsenal.
The likes of Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey, for example, became some of the most entertaining players in the league.
However, arguably the best of the lot was Mesut Özil, who sent the fan base into delirium when he joined the club on transfer deadline day in 2013.
The World Cup winner was an artist with the ball at his feet, capable of things most would only dream of, and now, based on reports, it looks like Arsenal could be going after someone who could become Mikel Arteta’s version of Ozil.
Arsenal target their new Ozil
Arsenal went big in the summer window, signing more players than perhaps even the most optimistic of fans would’ve expected.
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However, with a title on the line, the club appear to be in the market for more reinforcements ahead of the winter window, and have been linked to a host of players.
For example, Nottingham Forest’s Murillo has been touted for a £79m move to the Emirates, as has Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola.
However, while both players would be excellent additions to Arteta’s squad, neither could really be described as the next Ozil, unlike Arda Güler.
Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides interested in signing the Turkish international.
In fact, the report has revealed that the Gunners are now stepping up their pursuit of the 20-year-old, although the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United appear to be doing the same.
In addition to the competition, a potential roadblock for this deal is that, per reports last month, it could cost as much as £88m to get the playmaker out of Real Madrid.
However, while it could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, it’s one Arsenal should fight for, as Güler is an extraordinary talent and could be Arteta’s own Ozil.
Why Güler could be Arsenals new Ozil
Now, while it’s still early in Güler’s career, and it will take some time before he reaches the heights Ozil did, there are still apparent similarities between the pair.
Firstly, were this transfer to happen, then, like the World Cup winner over a decade ago, the young talent would be swapping the white of Real Madrid or the red and white of Arsenal.
Secondly, the 20-year-old is a sensational talent who still has so much room to grow and, like the Gunners’ former star, is someone whose future appears to be more central than out wide.
For example, while he has played on the right and several other positions, attacking midfield is where he has played most of his football and where he has been thriving this season.
Speaking of this season, the Ankara-born wonderkid is proving he is both a goalscoring threat and a creative force for his teammates.
In his 21 appearances, totalling 1365 minutes, the “generational talent”, as described by journalist Dean Jones, has scored three goals and provided seven assists, averaging a goal involvement every 2.1 games, or every 136.5 minutes.
Unsurprisingly, the young dynamo’s underlying numbers also help to justify such labels.
xAG: Exp. Assisted Goals
0.38
Top 1%
Progressive Passes
7.98
Top 1%
Key Passes
3.27
Top 1%
Passes into Final Third
6.49
Top 1%
Live-ball Passes
59.32
Top 1%
Touches
77.43
Top 1%
Pass Completion %
85.3%
Top 2%
Through Balls
0.95
Top 2%
Shot-Creating Actions
6.08
Top 2%
Carries
47.71
Top 3%
Assists
0.41
Top 5%
Tackles Won
1.16
Top 7%
Switches
0.54
Top 8%
Crosses
5.42
Top 9%
Goal-Creating Actions
0.70
Top 10%
According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for expected assisted goals, progressive passes, key passes, touches and more, all per 90.
Finally, if you still aren’t convinced, just listen to İlkay Gündoğan, who in 2023 made a clear link between the two midfielders.
“If there is a Turkish football player who is similar to Mesut Özil, the first name is Arda Güler. I see his future bright.”
Ultimately, while there is still a long way to go for Güler to reach the level Ozil did at his peak, he is clearly on his way. He was ranked second in the 2025 Golden Boy awards, living up to writer Neal Gardner’s billing that he is “the single best midfield prospect in world football.”
Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him
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