Mesut Ozil has eyes on a move to Turkey, should he leave Arsenal in January.
The 30-year-old midfielder has started less than a dozen league games under Unai Emery this season, although he did start the win over Burnley and captained the side, although it was a much changed line-up.
It is understood the Spaniard is happy to sanction is departure next month – although he publicly insists that he wants him to stay.
“We need Mesut Ozil. Every player wants to play and help the team when we need them. The frustration is the same for everybody when they haven’t played a match,” said Emery.
“I have told him what we need from him. He has the commitment to help us and the quality and the characteristics to help us when the team need him on the pitch.”
Ozil, who is no hurry to leave the Emirates or London, has interest from clubs in Italy and Spain – all of whom would struggle to get anywhere near his current wage packet of just over £300,00-a-week, which makes him the second highest paid player in the Premier League.
However, Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce could both get close to his wage packet and Ozil – who is proud of his Turkish heritage – has a switch to Istanbul in his thoughts with Basaksehir also in the hunt.
And their president Goksel Gumusdag, has said they would “do anything to get him.”
Ozil’s arrival in Turkey would represent the biggest deal in the domestic league’s history, although Arsenal would have to sanction and initial loan move which would see them having to help finance the transfer.
Bookmakers believe that Inter Milan are the most likely option with BetVictor listing them at 6/1 but a move to Turkey is next option at 12/1.
Michael Triffitt, BetVictor’s Head of ante post Football commented: “Arsenal appear ready to listen to offers for out of favour midfielder Mesut Ozil.
“The player looks surplus to requirements but the Gunners may struggle to offload the player as he is one of the biggest earners at the Emirates. A loan move away in January would perhaps suit both parties and may be a solution.
“Inter Milan have been linked and are 6/1 favourites in a market which may gather momentum as the new year approaches. Besiktas have shown interest in the past and any Turkish club has been introduced at 12/1 which may appeal with Galatasaray and Fenerbahce likely to also be potential investors.”