Sridhar Bhamidi
Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil is open to extending his stay at Arsenal but wants assurances on his shirt number. The German international wants the Gunners to give him Jack Wilshere’s No. 10 shirt before he commits a new deal at the Emirates.
According to The Metro, the German international could be tempted by the thought that Manchester United will be able to offer him the coveted No. 10 shirt at Old Trafford.
Ozil is out of contract at the end of the season and has been stalling on an extension for a long time. The Gunners were not willing to give him a pay raise that the player is demanding but are open to negotiations. However, Ozil feels that his relationship with Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho, combined with their ability to pay huge wages could pave the way for his move to Old Trafford.
There were reports earlier in the summer that Ozil could be swayed by a move to United and it now appears that this deal could hinge around the availability of the No. 10 shirt.
Ozil recently acquired that shirt with the German national team after the retirement of Lukas Podolski. He wanted the same at Arsenal and is considering penning a new deal provided he gets his wish fulfilled.
This is not the first time he has come out with this unusual request as he has voiced this desire multiple times in the past. Ozil was reportedly disappointed that the shirt was not made free to him when Wilshere joined Bournemouth on a season-long loan last year.
Does this pave a way to old Trafford? Mourinho is reportedly keen on signing the German and could make an offer in the winter transfer window. If he isn’t signing an extension with Arsenal, the Gunners may be tempted to cash in on him in January.
United are likely to offer Ozil the No. 10 shirt as current incumbent Zlatan Ibrahimovic is expected to move out of the club next season.
Strange, isn’t it? A player pushing for a move because he didn’t get a No. 10 shirt! But, such is the power of branding these days that every little thing matters. And, in case of Ozil, this little thing could drive him to Old Trafford.
