Mesut Ozil’s career at Arsenal is now all but over after he was omitted from the club’s squad for both the Europa League and Premier League this season, capping a remarkable fall from grace for the former club-record signing.
Ozil has previously stated he intends to see out the remainder of his record-breaking contract at the Emirates, which is set to expire at the season’s end.
However, with the playmaker now unable to play any part in the north London side’s campaign, Ozil will inevitably depart to a new club during the next winter or summer transfer.
AC Milan – 8/1
AC Milan have enjoyed a strong start to the season and sit top of Serie A after winning four of their opening five fixtures, optimism having increased that the Rossoneri can challenge once more after a decade spent largely in the doldrums.
Stefano Pioli’s side are the youngest on average in the division and the arrival of Ozil could add some much-needed experience to the squad, the playmaker still possessing the talent to make a huge impact if given the platform to perform
Pioli has largely favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation, a system which would allow Ozil to play as a traditional number 10 and provide cutting passes for the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Rafael Leao.
Hakan Calhanoglu is also yet to sign a new deal with the midfielder’s contract set to expire at the end of the season and signing Ozil would add further creativity to Milan’s options.
West Ham – 7/1
There a few who anticipate Ozil will remain in the Premier League upon leaving Arsenal, though West Ham are regarded as 7/1 odds to sign the playmaker from their London rivals.
Ozil’s silky style will likely appeal to a Hammers faithful who have long adored technical talents, with former striker Carlton Cole recent claiming the German fits the ‘magician-like’ profile West Ham have always ‘liked’.
His languid style and lack of work-ethic seem ill-suited to the demands of David Moyes, however, the Scot keen to build a side brimming with youthful energy, a scenario which makes this one appear unlikely.
Galatasaray – 7/1
Galatasaray are also regarded as 7/1 odds to sign Ozil with the player having long taken pride in his Turkish heritage, a move to one of the nation’s giants likely to appeal.
Fatih Terim’s side slumped to a disappointing sixth-placed finish in the Süper Lig last season and could seek a marquee addition as they bid to bounce back this time around.
Ozil would join former Premier League players in Radamel Falcao and Ryan Babel in Istanbul should be make the move, though much may depend on the player’s wage demands.
Fenerbache – 6/1
Sitting slightly ahead of their eternal rivals are Fenerbache, regarded as second favourites for Ozil’s signature at odds of 6/1.
Like their Istanbul rivals, Fenerbache endured a hugely disappointing campaign last season to finish seventh, but have begun brightly this time around to sit second after six fixtures.
It’s now been six years since the club tasted league title success and Ozil’s arrival could provide the spark needed to lift silverware once more.
Fenerbache have previously been linked with the player and are likely to hold an interest in his services, if a financial package can be agreed to tempt the World Cup winner to Turkey.
Any MLS club – 3/1
Having not played since March, Ozil could seek a move at the first opportunity and a move to the MLS is regarded as his likeliest destination.
The transfer window for MLS remains open until October 29 and the signing of Ozil could appeal to a number of sides seeking the signing of a marquee ‘designated player’.
DC United – who are yet to replace Wayne Rooney – have been strongly linked, with a move to the US offering Ozil an escape from the criticism and limelight he has faced in recent months.
Ozil, however, will not get close to his current £350,000-a-week wages in the US and will have to take a significant cut if he is to get his career back on track.
Smashed it! Eight Premier League players who shone bright this weekend
Donkeys: Five Premier League players who ‘had a mare’ this weekend
