‘He’s like me!’ Former Arsenal star says Gunners-linked forward MUST be protected at all costs | OneFootball

Former Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil says Arda Guler reminds him of his younger self as the German draws comparisons with the out-of-favour Real Madrid forward.

Guler is into his second season at Madrid but he has made just 26 appearances in La Liga during that time and a move away has been talked about.

Arsenal are reportedly keeping a close eye on the Turkey international, who will turn 20 next week, with Mikel Arteta keen to boost his attacking options.

Guler has had to remain patient for regular minutes at Madrid but he is still regarded as one of the top young talents in Europe.

And Ozil, who acted as a mentor for Guler during their brief spell together at Fenerbahce, believes the teenager needs the right guidance and support in order to reach the very top of the game.

“When I look at football right now, I am in a period where I do not enjoy it very much,” the World Cup winner admitted to Turkish media.

“There were big names in my time, but right now I think Arda Güler is like me. We need to protect talents like Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız.

“Whether they play badly or well, there is nothing they cannot achieve when their nation is behind them.”

Ozil went on to reveal that Arsene Wenger tried to bring him to Arsenal before the German moved to Real Madrid back in 2010.

“PSG wanted me, Bayern Munich wanted me,” he added.

“Arsene Wenger called me before I went to Madrid, but I said, ‘I’m sorry, I got an offer from Real, I’ll go there.’ But I told him that if I left, I would come to Arsenal. And that’s what happened.”

Ozil went on to make 184 appearances for the Gunners across an eight-year period where the playmaker won four FA Cups.