Atletico Madrid want Mesut Ozil to replace Man Utd-bound Saul Niguez
Diego Simeone set to offer Arsenal midfielder a way out of the Emirates
There could be some musical transfer chairs in the summer, with reports that Atletico Madrid have identified Mesut Ozil as the man to replace Saul Niguez, who is expected to sign for Manchester United.
United boss Jose Mourinho is said to be a long-term admirer of Niguez - and the feeling is apparently mutual, reports the Daily Star.
According to the newspaper, the 22-year-old Spanish attacking playmaker is “open to a switch to Old Trafford if Atletico and United can agree a deal”.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
It was rumoured earlier this year that Mourinho was keen to organise a reunion with Ozil at United, having worked with him at Real Madrid, but it now seems that the Special One wants the younger and more energetic Niguez than the notoriously inconsistent German midfielder.
Niguez has a £134m buyout clause in his contract, but The Star predicts that he “could leave for less”.
Meanwhile, Atletico boss Diego Simeone is ready to offer Ozil a way out of the Emirates when his contract expires next summer.
It’s now a given at Arsenal that Ozil won’t sign a new deal and instead will leave on a free at the end of the season. According to The Star, Simeone is prepared to “offer a deal worth £200,000 a week”, which while considerably less than the £330,000-a-week Ozil has allegedly been demanding in north London, will still keep the wolf from the door.
In addition, says the newspaper, Ozil will “pocket a huge signing-on fee” at the La Liga club.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 2, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - anti-fascism, early voter turnout, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
Mason Greenwood: footballer arrested on suspicion of rape and assault
Speed Read Man Utd confirm the striker will not train or play until further notice
By The Week Staff Published
-
Handball: swapping bikini bottoms for tight pants
Speed Read Women competitors will be required to ‘wear short tight pants with a close fit’
By The Week Staff Published
-
Cristiano Ronaldo’s second coming
Speed Read Last week, Manchester United re-signed the forward on a two-year deal thought to be worth more than £400,000 a week
By The Week Staff Last updated
-
Bank holidays and boycotts: are MPs trying to jinx England?
Speed Read Declaring a bank holiday would be ‘tempting fate’, says Boris Johnson
By The Week Staff Published
-
Weightlifting: Olympic Games set for transgender first
Speed Read New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard will make history at Tokyo 2020
By The Week Staff Published
-
Sport shorts: Champions League expansion plan to be agreed
Speed Read News and reactions from the world of sport, featuring Joachim Low and the Lions women’s team
By Mike Starling Published
-
Sport shorts: Sturgeon slams Rangers fans over title celebrations
Speed Read News and reactions from the world of sport, featuring Keely Hodgkinson and Bryson DeChambeau
By Mike Starling Published
-
Sport shorts: Klopp’s unwanted record as Liverpool lose again at Anfield
Speed Read News and reactions from the world of sport, featuring Tiger Woods and Tom Brady
By Mike Starling Published