Real Madrid's attacking midfielder Mesut Özil has decided to stay at the Santiago Bernabéu, according to Spanish newspaper Marca, despite the two clubs reportedly agreeing a €45 million transfer fee to take him to the Emirates.
Rumour: Mesut Özil decides against Arsenal move
Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Özil has reportedly decided against a move to Arsenal, despite the two clubs having agreed a transfer fee.
Charlie Crowhurst
If true, it'd be a big blow to Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger considering he gambled his big deadline day activity on signing the German. Özil's signing would've been a great riposte to the criticism that Wenger is unwilling to spend big money to sign the best players. It also would've strengthened the Gunners' midfield department -- even if that is already Arsenal's strongest position.
However, if Marca are right, Wenger now has to turn to other targets if he wants to bring anyone in on deadline day. Whether he has any lined up, however, we’ll have to wait and see.
