Arsenal's latest transfer target could become their next Mesut Ozil.placeholder image
Arsenal's latest transfer target could become their next Mesut Ozil. | Getty Images
Arsenal are still looking to add new faces to their squad despite sitting pretty at the top of the Premier League table
All seems to be going smoothly at Arsenal, which is as great a compliment as can be given to manager Mikel Arteta at present amidst the chaos going on at title rivals Liverpool, and the Erling Haaland reliance which may grow to become an issue as a transitional period continues at Manchester City.
At the Emirates, new signings have settled and injury issues have been papered over in a way which simply was not possible in years prior. This is the strongest squad Arteta has ever had, and everyone knows it.
It would, therefore, be smart to assume that the Gunners do not need any further signings to disrupt their increasingly settled squad. Largely, that is the case, with fewer January transfer rumours surfacing concerning the N5 outfit than some of their rivals. One rumoured target has emerged, though, and his comparisons with a former Gunners hero may spark the interest of fans in what would be a shock move.
Arsenal linked with Bayern Munich wonderkid Lennart Karl
The Gunners are reportedly one of several clubs interested in Bayern Munich’s 17-year-old starlet Lennart Karl, who burst onto the scene with two stunning strikes within a week. The German stole the headlines as he opened the scoring from range against Club Brugge in the Champions League, before scoring his first Bundesliga goal just a matter of days later. Both strikes flew into the top corner from outside the penalty area and indicated the teenager’s arrival on the scene in some style.
Karl may already be primed to be at the centre of a bidding war, as Caught Offside report that Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City all sent representatives to watch the youngster in action as he scored his first professional goal against Brugge. The Gunners are amongst the Premier League giants who have taken notice of the 2008-born gem’s rapid rise and could aim to secure a major coup in 2026.
The Bavarian giants reportedly want between £60m - £70m for the teenager, a price which may appear worthwhile if his stunning form continues. Arsenal could be looking at their next Mesut Ozil.
Karl has already been compared with Gunners hero Mesut Ozil
A left-footed German No.10 or winger with creativity in abundance and an eye for goal, it comes as no surprise that Karl has already been compared with Germany and Arsenal icon Ozil.
The former Gunners playmaker made 254 appearances in seven years with the club, scoring 44 goals and providing 77 assists before departing shortly into the Arteta era in 2021. He provided many unforgettable moments for a generation of fans for club and country, winning the 2014 World Cup with Germany and four FA Cups with Arsenal.
Not only has Karl been compared with fellow countryman Ozil, he has also been reported as viewing Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard as a role model. “Lennart considers Martin Ödegaard as a role model, and I really do see parallels,” revealed Bayern youth coach Patrick Kaniuth.
A big-money move for Karl might appear a little premature at this stage, considering the fact that he only truly rose to prominence just a week ago and has made 11 senior appearances for Bayern. But amidst comparisons with Ozil and Odegaard, it may appear as though Karl and Arsenal are a match made in heaven.
If the Gunners secure domestic glory in the Premier League this season - or go even further and win the Champions League - there will be few who can argue with Arteta’s side being right at the front of the queue if an early move away becomes a possibility for Karl in the near future.
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