According to The Sun, Mesut Ozil is set to open talks with Barcelona in January over a massive contract as his current contract with Arsenal is set to expire in the summer. Earlier, some reports did suggest that Arsenal are prepared to lose Ozil in January to Barcelona for a cut-price deal rather than losing him free to one of their domestic rivals in the summer.
Barcelona’s expected lineup with Mesut Ozil
Against the weaker opposition, especially at home, Valverde can choose to play Ozil as part of a midfield three pushing Iniesta into a deeper role alongside Sergio Busquets. The amount of possession Barcelona have generally will allow Ozil the chance to play in the center of the park. This would give him the chance to link up with Messi who tends to occupy the number 10 area when Luis Suarez is playing upfront.
With Luis Suarez’s declining form and with his injury troubles, signing Ozil wil give the chance to Valverde to return Messi to his False 9 role. Ozil can start on the right with a solid midfield of Iniesta-Rakitic-Busquets behind Messi.
It is clear that Valverde will have multiple options if Mesut Ozil arrives at the Camp Nou and his style of play will suit Barcelona. There have been question marks over his intensity and the effort he puts in pressing but like the game against Spurs last weekend told us and inspired Mesut Ozil will walk into any team in the world.