Istanbul Basaksehir are considering a shock move for Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil.
Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Manchester United have all been linked with a move for the 30-year-old German after falling out-of-favour under Unai Emery in recent weeks.
However, Turkish outfit Basaksehir have emerged as shock contenders for Ozil’s signature and are hoping they can strike a deal for the playmaker should he leave the Gunners during the January transfer window.
Speaking to Bild, as reported by The Sun, Basaksehir president Goksel Gumusdag said on Ozil:
“Mesut Ozil is a precious player.
“I hope one day our paths will cross at Basaksehir.
“If he wants to be with us as well, we would do anything to get him.”
There are reports claiming that the former Real Madrid midfielder would prefer a move back to Turkey if he is to leave Arsenal.
Galatasaray and Fenerbahce would also be interested, but Ozil is believed to be happy at Arsenal despite his relationship with Emery.
Ozil returned to action on Sunday and was given the armband in Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Burnley since November 11th.
However, after seeing his game time limited in recent weeks, a January exit remains a real possibility.
Basaksehir could attempt to take Ozil on a temporary basis for the remainder of the season but they would struggle with the player’s £350,000-a-week wages.
The Istanbul club already have former Gunners Gael Clichy and Emmanuel Adebayor on their books and Turkey president Recap Tayyip Erdogan has close links to the side and could attempt to persuade Ozil to join them next month.
It remains to be seen whether Ozil will stay or leave Arsenal in January.
