The end is nigh for Mesut Ozil and his Arsenal career. Trusted with only 18 minutes of game time during the Gunners' stalemate with their North London rivals Tottenham on Saturday, Ozil has struggled to convince Unai Emery of his worth.
Emery remains unconvinced of the hugely talent, but equally infuriating, Ozil and it is difficult to imagine the 30-year-old staying at The Emirates beyond the summer. He has scored five goals and laid on three assists in 22 appearances in all competitions, although it is his failure to produce the goods in big games which is arguably his biggest fault.
During his career, Ozil has played 42 games against the other five of the traditional 'Big Six' teams in the Premier League, scoring six goals and effecting seven assists. It is a paltry return for a player who only has three FA Cup winners' medals to show for his nearly six years with Arsenal.
It is a sign of Emery's mistrust that Ozil has played 18 of a possible 450 minutes against 'Big Six' sides since November, watching four of five matches from the sidelines or the substitutes' bench.
Moving Ozil on may prove difficult but a return to Real Madrid might not be completely out of the question, particularly if rumours that Jose Mourinho will be appointed manager at the Bernabeu this summer prove true.
Despite a deep mistrust of talents like Ozil, Mourinho seemed to get the best out of the playmaker as Ozil scored 27 goals and affected 80 assists in 157 appearances for the Portuguese manager. Could they be reunited at The Bernabeu?
A swap deal involving Real's James Rodriguez, who is currently on loan with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, could suit all parties as the 27-year-old is a player who has been linked with Arsenal in the past.
The Colombian, who has scored 21 goals in 68 appearances for his country, has found form of late as he has weighed in with three assists in his last four league games for Bayern and he could be an ideal addition to Emery's Arsenal squad.
He has scored 99 goals and provided 123 assists during his 366 games at club level during his career, averaging a goal or an assist every 110 minutes.
Such statistics compare well to the 103 goals and 213 assists - an average of one every 136 minutes - Ozil has managed during his 564 games.
Rodriguez is a younger model, has plenty to prove and could be the ideal solution to help move Ozil on. It is a chance for all parties to make a fresh start.
"Most of the time now we think when we sign a player for five years we have a good player for five years. But that doesn't necessarily mean that they practice, they play their best. Because they might be in their comfort zone."
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