Mesut Özil Should Move To MLS During January Transfer Window

Considering the Premier League season is already three months old, we can start seeing some tendencies that will maintain until the end of the campaign. And if we are going to talk about Arsenal, then there’s one only thing clear at the Emirates Stadium: Mesut Ozil is probably not going to see meaningful minutes for Arsenal any time soon.

Even though the German playmaker has slowly returned to the squad in recent weeks, he is not part of Emery’s Best XI. The former Real Madrid star has said time and time again he wants to leave, and The Gunners will aim to grant him that wish during the upcoming January transfer window.

Considering the lack of interest for his services among top leagues in Europe, maybe it’s time Özil starts looking to less competitive environments. And if that’s the case, then the MLS would be a great destination for the former Germany international.

A league tailormade for players like Özil

It’s easy to think about why Özil would thrive on American soil. It’s not as intense as the Premier League, but it continues to be a rather competitive environment. More and more quality players join MLS franchises every year. But adding Özil would be a great move for a league that has seen names such as Bastian Schweinsteiger, Nicolas Lodeiro, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and others, arrive in recent years.

Plus, Özil would also make a lot of sense in the MLS from a tactical point of view. One of the biggest characteristics of the league is the pace and the intensity. Therefore, players who can slow things down a tick of two gain even more value. They tend to see things clearly, and find spaces where other players don’t. Özil has always been able to do that. Imagine what he could in a league that would suit to his advantages.

There’s legit and real interest from at least two MLS sides to sign Özil

Özil’s potential arrival to the MLS is far more than a rumour, though. Two franchises are reportedly interested in bringing the former Wolfsburg player stateside. These are Inter Miami FC and DC United.

Right now, DC United seem to have a slight edge on the race to acquire the German. They lost Wayne Rooney once the 2019 MLS season ended, and have a Designated Player spot available. Designated Players in MLS are players that can earn a salary permitted above the league’s rules. Özil would fit right on that category.

Inter Miami, however, might also sneak on the race to sign the coveted playmaker. David Beckham’s owned franchise needs three Designated Players ahead of their 2020 MLS debut season. Özil has been heavily linked with a move to Miami, just like other top players such as Gareth Bale, Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez.

The only thing that’s clear is that Özil seems set to move to the MLS. And there’s no doubt this could be a reunion that would benefit both parties.