Mesut Ozil Is Irreplaceable At Arsenal And This Barcelona Attacker Is Not The Answer

Could Arda Turan Be The Replacement For Mesut Ozil?

London outfit Arsenal are currently not in the best shape as they have every chance of failing to qualify for the Champions League next season. But Wenger is already planning for the summer and has been scouting some star players, irrespective of his team’s chances to play in the elite competition next season. The likes of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil have not yet put pen to paper and Wenger has reportedly identified Barcelona’s Arda Turan as his star summer signing to add to the squad. The Turkish midfielder is touted as a replacement for the German playmaker Mesut Ozil at the Emirates. The question is, if he is the right man to do so? Can Arda Turan replace Mesut Ozil at Arsenal? We find out.

A quick look at the attributes of both the players makes it clear that the former Atletico Madrid man is not a player of the same calibre as Mesut Ozil. Capable of playing in a midfield role or also in an attacking role on the wing, Turan is a combative midfielder who adds some mettle to the midfield of his side. During his time at the Vicente Calderon, Turan was one of the most important players for Diego Simeone when his side beat the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona to the La Liga title in 2014, showing that he has enough experience of winning trophies at the highest stage.

The 30-year old is a versatile player whose biggest strength is his passing. He is capable of scoring goals as well as setting them up for the team mates. He likes to play through balls in dangerous areas to set up his teammates on goal. He is disciplined and strong with his tacking, while his never ending energy in the middle of the park will also add to the overall quality of the squad. However, he has not been able to cement a place in the starting XI at the Camp Nou, making just 17 La Liga appearances this season. He has 3 goals and 3 assists in these games but is not a player who can replace the creativity that Arsenal will miss if they let Ozil go.

With 5 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League alone this season, Ozil, in a forgettable season has already created and scored more than Turan and if Wenger wants to depend on the Turkish star to take Ozil’s place, it could be a disaster. With due respect to the Barcelona star, Arsenal need a more creative midfielder if they are to replace Ozil in the first team. It is not easy to find a player who can do what Ozil can do on his day but beyond doubt Turan is not quite the man for Arsenal.

At 30, he is also not an option for the long term and would leave Arsenal in search for stars a couple of years later. In all fairness, Turan is a good player and will improve the Arsenal squad but Wenger would do better to partner Turan and Ozil in the squad rather than replace the latter with the former. Turan can add solidity that Arsenal have missed in the midfield and this can allow Ozil to express himself in a better way, thus making the whole team a lot more productive. If Wenger decides to replace Ozil, he will need a far more creative player to be able to get similar or better returns next season. But the answer would not be Arda Turan.

Do you think Turan can replace Ozil at the Emirates this summer?