Arsenal could do with an additional creative threat this summer if they are to challenge for a place in the top-four of the Premier League.
Mesut Ozil may already be at the club, however, that has not stopped recent media reports suggesting that Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez is a potential target for the Gunners.
But, would bringing the Colombia international to the Emirates Stadium be a better option than the former Germany international? Or would Arsenal be better off just keeping Ozil in their ranks and hoping he will return to his very best next season?
Well, we will take a look at the two closely in one of our ‘Transfer Battle’ pieces and work out what Arsenal should loo to do over the course of the summer months.
Let’s start with the current Arsenal ace below…
Mesut Ozil
Ozil has not had the best of times at Arsenal since Emery arrived at the club. The former Germany international has missed a lot of the season, having had to spend plenty of time on the sidelines, with concerns over his attitude having been highlighted throughout the campaign.
Valued at £31.5million (Transfermarkt), however, the 30-year-old appears to have managed to turn the corner with the Spanish manager and has started to feature more regularly in the first-team, including being in the starting line-up for their match against Chelsea in the Europa League final.
Ozil has made himself a fan favourite with those at the Emirates Stadium since joining them from Real Madrid and it is not hard to see why when you take into account that he has produced 74 assists and 43 goals in his 230 appearances for the club (Transfermarkt).
He has been disappointing this season though, having failed to hit the heights many at the Emirates Stadium expect him to reach. Just six goals and three assists in his 34 appearances across all competitions only go to prove that point and serious questions must be asked about whether he can still do the job Arsenal need him to do.
TT Grade: B
James Rodriguez
According to a report by The Mirror, Arsenal are believed to be interested in securing Rodriguez this summer. The Colombia international is thought to be available for a transfer as it is felt that he does not have a future at Real Madrid, especially with Zinedine Zidane in charge.
The 27-year-old would have to be a quality addition at the Emirates Stadium if Emery was able to bring him to the club as he would be able to offer the Gunners a new attacking dimension to the side, whilst he would also have to be considered an upgrade on a number of their current stars, including Ozil if the German does not get back to his best.
Valued at £58.5million (per Transfermarkt), Rodriguez is more than adept at playing out in a wide position, or in behind the striker and can provide the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with more goal threat with his creative skill.
A move would suit Rodriguez as well as he needs to be playing regular football and he would be able to get the opportunity to do that at the Emirates Stadium, whilst a fresh start could also benefit him immensely. Whether the superstar is available within Arsenal’s transfer budget, though, remains to be seen.
TT Grade: B+
The Verdict:
Rodriguez would be a quality addition to the side and is a player that Emery must look at trying to bring to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
As mentioned the Colombian superstar would provide Arsenal with an additional attacking dimension whilst he would have to be considered an upgrade compared to some of the options that the club already have on their books.
With how Ozil performed over the campaign and despite him appearing to have turned the corner with Emery and his plans, there is no guarantee that the German will be able to step up once again and do what he has been able to achieve for the Gunners over years.
Arsenal fans, do you agree with the outcome of this battle? Let us know below!
