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Arsenal reportedly want Europa League hero that Mesut Ozil compared to himself

Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Lille midfielder Yusuf Yazici after the Turkish star scored a second Europa League hat-trick this season last week – and Gunners fans will be excited by Mesut Ozil’s recent verdict on Yazici.

Yazici, 23, has been in stunning form this season. The 25-time Turkey international has netted seven goals in just 12 appearances, scoring two hat-tricks in three Europa League matches – while also netting once in Ligue 1.

Having had a hand in 43 goals during 100 appearances for Trabzonspor, Yazici moved to Lille and endured a difficult first season in which he scored only once in 25 games for the French outfit. But this season has form has improved.

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 (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)

A hat-trick against Sparta Prague helped Lille win 4-1, before another hat-trick in a 3-0 away win over AC Milan. Arsenal are keen – with Arsene Wenger trying to nab him from Trabzonspor ahead of Lille in the past.

A potentially exciting signing for Arsenal, Yazici is a big favourite among Turkey fans – as well as Arsenal outcast Ozil. The Gunners man is quoted by the Mail in 2018 as comparing Yazici to himself.

“Yazici is an amazing No 10. We have a lot of similarities and I see myself in him. His left foot, his position, his close passing and calmness on the ball,” Ozil told Hurriyet, “We will see Yusuf at a big European club in the near future.”

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(Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA / AFP) (Photo by MIGUEL MEDINA/AFP via Getty Images)

TBR’s view – Ozil’s verdict will surely convince Arsenal

Ozil and Arsenal have hardly seen eye to eye over the past 12 months, and it looks more than likely the 92-time Germany international will leave the Emirates on a free transfer next summer. But he could leave with a parting gift.

His recommendation of Yazici could see him once again provide an assist for the Gunners, but off the pitch. The young Turk would hand the Gunners a cheaper alternative to Houssem Aouar, but a replacement for Ozil himself.

(Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)