Mesut Ozil intervenes as Arsenal target told ‘not to accept’ transfer offer

Mesut Ozil has reportedly told Fenerbahce starlet Arda Guler to hang fire on a potential summer transfer as he believes staying in Turkey for at least another season is the best call for his development. Guler is one of Europe’s hottest commodities and there are a host of big clubs queuing up for his signature, not least Barcelona who have already shown concrete interest in closing a deal.

Nonetheless, the race remains open at this moment in time and with Arsenal also reportedly among Guler’s growing list of admirers, Fenerbahce could be set for a big payday.

According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, former Gunner Ozil has held talks with the player over his future as Guler looks up to the retired attacking midfielder, who is one of his idols.

Ozil is understood to have relayed that staying at Fenerbahce would be the best move for his personal development as he is playing regularly in Turkey.

Guler managed six goals and seven assists in 35 outings at club level last season and his influence at Fenerbahce is growing with every game that goes by.

That’s why Ozil feels the teenage talent should hold off a dream transfer which is likely to see his game time hindered moving forward.

Yet that won’t stop buyers from showing firm interest and Barcelona are already working hard to beat transfer rivals to the punch.

Barcelona chief Deco has already flown to Turkey to open talks over a move but the Catalan giants are continuing to juggle financial problems behind the scenes.

Having already signed Ilkay Gundogan this summer, Barca will have to make room within their inflated squad if they are to add further recruits to their squad.

Joan Laporta has already confirmed that Barcelona are looking to complete the transfer but he is aware of interest from further afield.

“He is a very young player, it is true that our scouts have been following him for a long time and many big clubs in Europe want him. We are talking to Fenerbahce,” Laporta told Mundo Deportivo.

Earlier this week, Laporta shed further light on Barcelona’s interest, stating: “Today Deco was in Istanbul.

“LaLiga allows us to carry out operations for next season without impacting FFP.

“Arda Guler is a very talented player, who Deco likes a lot and we are trying to close the operation.”

Arsenal are not thought to be actively pursuing a deal for Guler at this moment in time as they are continuing to focus their efforts on finalising the arrivals of Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber.

That’s why if Guler is to listen to Ozil, it could be of benefit to the Gunners further down the line.

At this moment in time, Arsenal don’t look likely to launch a move although that could change in the coming weeks and months.