Championship Club Plotting Audacious Move For Former Arsenal Star Mesut Ozil

Mesut Ozil could be offered a route back into English football by new Hull City owner Acun Ilicali, who is reportedly keen to sign the former Arsenal midfielder from Fenerbahce.

Ozil, 33, was recently suspended by the Turkish club, along with fellow midfielder Ozan Tufan, amid reports of a falling out with manager Ismail Kartal.

Ozil only joined Fenerbahce in January of last year after leaving Arsenal in similarly acrimonious circumstances.

The former Germany international was deemed surplus to requirements at the Emirates after a breakdown in his relationship with manager Mikel Arteta.

Ozil now faces an uncertain future in Istanbul and Ilicali may look to take advantage of the situation.

According to TEAMtalk, Hull’s new Turkish owner is keen to sign Ozil as part of his plan to take the club back to the Premier League.

Ilicali has already used contacts in his home country to sign Iranian forward Allahyar Sayyadmanesh on loan from Fenerbahce in January.

Ozil is currently suspended by Fenerbahce (Image: PA)

Meanwhile, a deal for former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel, who is now at Turkish club Galatasaray, is also said to be progressing.

It remains to be seen whether Ozil would join Hull, who are currently languishing down in 20^th in the Championship – albeit 13 points clear of the relegation zone.

Ozil’s agent, Erkut Sogut, has claimed the player is keen to rejoin the first-team at Fenerbahce and does not want to leave the club.

Sogut said: “Mesut did not want to make it difficult in the current environment. Since he does not want to leave Ozan on his own, he trains with him.

Hull City owner Acun Ilicali is reportedly keen to sign Ozil (Image: PA)

“That's what makes sense right now because of the sad events with the coach.

“Such events are always sad. An unpleasant process has begun for both sides. The important thing is to stay calm and wait for the final decision.

“I say this clearly here. Mesut will not go anywhere, and he certainly has no plans to leave. He will continue here as a Fenerbahce player for two more years until the end of his contract.

“He signed Fenerbahce for three-and-a-half years, six months of which he played for free. From January to the end of the season, he didn't even make any money.”

Topics: Fenerbahce, Mesut Ozil, Football, Hull City, Transfers, EFL Championship

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan