Former Arsenal star Mesut Ozil was a generational player.
The Gunners signed the German from Real Madrid in 2013, and he produced several world-class performances in the famous red and white.
Ozil was never fully appreciated in the Premier League, but when he was in full flow, he was a joy to watch and a complete nightmare to defend against.
Arsenal now want to sign a player who has been compared to Ozil – Darryl Bakola.
Give us one sentence to decide: Mesut Ozil, overrated or underrated?
Arsenal eye move for Marseille star Darryl Bakola
Darryl Bakola is one of the most impressive young players in France.
The 18-year-old joined Olympique Marseille’s youth setup a few months before his 15th birthday, and he has come through the ranks in their academy.
Bakola made his senior debut last season, but it was only after his performance in the Champions League game against Newcastle United last month that everybody started noticing him.
The teenager only started due to injuries to other midfielders, but Roberto De Zerbi’s decision to give him a chance well and truly paid off.
Bakola assisted one of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goals against the Magpies, and Defensa Central now claim that half of Europe is keen to sign him.
Arsenal are one of those clubs, says the report, and the same has been backed by CaughtOffside, who claim that Marseille are working hard to extend his contract.
The likes of Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are all interested in Bakola as well, which means it will not be a straightforward deal for Arsenal to complete.
If you were Andrea Berta and could sign any player in the world right now, who would it be and why?
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has compared Darryl Bakola to Mesut Ozil
Aubameyang is still going strong at Marseille despite being 37 years old.
The former Arsenal captain has been fantastic for the French side, not just with his performances on the pitch but also as a mentor to the younger players.
After Bakola assisted him against Newcastle, Aubameyang asked the teenager to tell the world about the nickname he had given him the day before.
The teenager replied with a smile on his face, as per RMC Sport: “Mesut Ozil. Yesterday, before training, he nicknamed me that. It hit the mark.”
If Bakola can reach anywhere near Ozil’s level, he will have a fine career.
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