PSG: Özil refuses loan move from Arsenal after Neymar injury
The Ligue 1 champions are in the market for a quick solution to the medium-term absence of the Brazil star and sounded out Özil, who preferred to stay at Arsenal.
Mesut Özil has refused a loan switch to PSG at the 11th hour despite falling out of favour with Unai Emery at Arsenal, according to reports in the German media.
PSG are combing the market for an emergency replacement for Neymar after it was confirmed that the Brazil forward faces up to 10 weeks on the sidelines with a foot injury and placed a call to Özil’s representatives to sound out the attacking midfielder. Özil has been used sparingly by former PSG boss Emery in recent weeks and has not scored or provided an assist since October, leading to speculation that he will leave the Emirates Stadium at the end of the current season.
However, given the opportunity to make a move sooner, Özil reportedly turned down a transfer to the Parc des Princes in order to remain in North London.
Inter Milan has also made an enquiry about Özil but were put off by the 30-year-old’s wages, which stand at 350,000 pounds a week. The Serie A club offered to pay half of Özil’s salary, with Arsenal picking up the remainder, but there seems to be little scope of the German moving to Serie A either.
James Rodríguez could hold key to Özil loan move
Having received a negative response from Özil, PSG have turned their attention to James Rodríguez. The Bayern midfielder is also out of favour and although only on loan at the Bundesliga club from Real Madrid, the Gonzalo Higuaín transfer from Milan to Chelsea proved that is only a mere obstacle when three clubs are in agreement.
Were Rodríguez to move to PSG on deadline day, Bayern could be in the market for an attacking midfielder, which is perhaps why Özil is holding out on a loan until the window shuts on Thursday.
