Mesut Ozil for Isco Alarcon – Should Arsenal and Real Madrid consider a swap deal?
Ever since his arrival in the 2014 summer transfer window, Mesut Ozil has done two things brilliantly for Arsenal. One is producing breathtaking passes for his team-mates in goal-scoring positions and the other is dividing opinions every single match-day. The five-time German Player of the Year hasn’t really repaid the Gunners for bringing him from Real Madrid and now it looks like things have gone south under Unai Emery.
The Arsenal boss has left his highest paid player out on multiple occasions this season, citing tactical reasons as the explanation when asked. However, while Emery has maintained that Ozil has a future at the club, his treatment of the playmaker has suggested otherwise with reports suggesting a move away for the 30-year-old (h/t The Sun).
While a permanent move may not be feasible at the moment, Arsenal can let him go out on loan in January or maybe even orchestrate a swap deal for another out-of-favour star. ESPN has revealed that the Gunners want Isco and are willing to give Ozil in return to Real Madrid as both clubs look to offload their midfield geniuses.
The Spaniard has been having a rather tough time under new manager Santiago Solari, having not played a La Liga game over the last few weeks. Since Julen Lopetegui’s sacking, the 26-year-old has only made cameos off the bench for Solari, playing one full game against CSKA Moscow in the Champions League.
While he was a key star under both Zinedine Zidane and Julen Lopetegui during his short reign, Isco has been benched by Solari. Over and above that, reports from the Mirror have revealed that Manchester City are keen on a move for the out-of-favour playmaker. But the question is, should Arsenal consider swapping Ozil for Isco if Real Madrid agrees to the deal in the January window?
The answer is a resounding yes, especially given the Spaniard’s exciting skill-set. Isco’s ability to play across the front-line does make him valuable, but it’s his eye for a pass that Arsenal need. The 26-year old’s vision is unmatched in the La Liga and on his day, he can single-handedly change the course of a game.
The 2012 Golden Boy winner may take some time to adapt to the Premier League if he does make a move. But given the fact that he has six months to adjust, next season could be Isco’s. If either Manchester City or Arsenal do manage to convince him to join their side, the Premier League will get yet another magical midfielder who can make you fall in love with football.
