Mourinho Likes Ozil, But There’s One Reason Why He Doesn’t Want To Sign The German
REUTERS/Sergio Perez
Disagreeing with most speculation, journalist Duncan Castles has claimed that Mesut Ozil is not the player Mourinho plans to add to his team.
The German international has been linked with a free transfer to Old Trafford after his contract expiry for quite some time, and is widely expected to depart from the Emirates this summer, as the Arsenal star has shown no interest in extending his stay.
The Portuguese boss openly admires the player, having worked with him at Real Madrid, but journalist Duncan Castles has stated that the 54-year-old would not be following up with a swoop.
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The Red Devils’ boss notably managed the talented playmaker at Bernabéu, getting the German to play some of the finest football of his career in those three seasons. Ozil has, since then, never been shy to gush over his qualities in the number ten role.
However, Mourinho has no intention of bringing in the Gunners superstar, as the United boss does not consider the player to be an upgrade on the likes of Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata.
Castles said on the Transfer Window podcast: “Mourinho does like him as a player. He’s got that combination of creativity and tactical awareness that he likes. But the information I’m getting is that Ozil’s not the player he plans to add to the team next summer.
“He’s already worked out the areas he wants to improve in. He always had a three summer transfer window plan for Manchester United. What I’m told he wants is a player who is better than what he’s got at the moment and they don’t see Ozil as being better than what he’s got in terms of that central, creative, attacking midfielder.
“Where he does want to recruit is in a faster wide player which isn’t Ozil’s forte. I think it’s unlikely that’s the club he ends up at when he has his freedom on contract in the summer.”
The midfield maestro is about to return from injury, and has not yet been able to perform consistently this season. His future at the Emirates, especially under Arsene Wenger’s management, remains doubtful.