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No Mesut Ozil 2.0: Julian Brandt’s previous comments will be music to Mikel Arteta’s ears

Mathew Nash

Mon 4 January 2021 20:45, UK

Arsenal’s hunt for new players to help them improve on a patchy start to the season has reportedly seen them take a look at German star Julian Brandt.

on Arsenal’s interest in Brandt on Christmas Day and has since reported on the Gunners interest – highlighting how Per Mertesacker could help Arsenal get the deal done. 

Of course, a deal for Brandt would undoubtedly be eye-catching, given his potential. 

A talented German playmaker? Would this be a case of Mesut Ozil 2.0 for Arsenal.

Not according to Brandt himself. Speaking in 2018, he made it very clear that he is not like Ozil as a player, or Ronaldinho, for that matter. Instead he views himself as a more dynamic version of a number 10, not dissimilar to the youngster currently playing that role for Arsenal, Emile Smith-Rowe. 

 “Every ten is different,” “Ronaldinho was a magician. There are tens like Mesut, Who has a fantastic overview, but is not a big trickster. He doesn’t do the Okocha. He distributes the balls more, sets goals. I’m neither like Ronaldinho nor like Özil. I’m flexible.

“I get more on the outside, but I can also play centrally than real ten. Because I usually come from the outside, you probably don’t see the classic ten in me.”

Which is good news for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta. It is clear that the Spaniard does not value having a number 10 like Ozil. That is apparent from the icing out from first-team action that the German has faced this season. 

Instead, Arteta wants someone more dynamic in the final third. 

Which makes Brandt a perfect transfer option. 

It is no surprise that the 24-year-old is on Arsenal’s wishlist.