Arsenal: Five Replacements for Özil

Ross Barkley, Everton

So far, this season has not gone as planned for Ross Barkley.  Fitting into Ronald Koeman’s new style at Everton has been a challenge for the 23-year-old attacking midfielder and perhaps a change of scenery is required, especially as Koeman looks to strengthen his squad with players he has worked with in the past (Morgan Schneiderlin) or players he knows from the Holland set-up (Memphis Depay).

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While Barkley has been linked more closely to a move to North London rivals Tottenham more than Arsenal, it would sure please the Gunner faithful to steal the England international from under the noses of their next door neighbors if the possibility exists.  Would Arsene Wenger be the manager to get the most out of Barkley’s vast potential?

While Barkley plays the same position as Özil, he would not have the quality to fulfill the role Özil does as Wenger envisions his teams playing.  Marauding runs and a box-to-box style is Barkley’s strength but it is also the strength of Arsenal’s midfielder Jack Wilshere who is currently on loan at Bournemouth.

If Arsenal are going to spend 30 – 35 million pounds on another English midfielder, the team should instead try and make the most out of the players currently on the roster and see if tactics could be adjusted to suit an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Aaron Ramsey or Wilshere when he returns in that number 10 role if Özil does indeed get sold.