Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil has revealed that he played a crucial part in Leroy Sane’s move to English Premier League rivals Manchester City.
The midfielder advised his fellow Germany international on his decision to sign for the Citizens. The 20-year-old approached Ozil after City made a £37m offer for his purchase from Sane’s former outfit, Schalke.
Interest in the German youngster was on a high, with the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich believed to be after Leroy. The Assist King’s recent confession may not sit well with some Gooners, given that the addition of the ex-Bundesliga sensation could gravely aid Manchester City’s bid for the league title.
Sane, who signed a five-year contract at the Etihad, shared the pitch with Ozil during the Euro 2016 tournament. Ozil spoke with the German publication Spox about his discussions with his compatriot, saying:
“Naturally, the Premier League was a topic we discussed several times. I told Leroy that I regard it as the best league in the world and that young players can develop well there.
“That is why I was happy for him when the transfer materialised. He will improve a lot under Pep Guardiola.”
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Sane assisted his previous club in finishing fifth in the Bundesliga table last season, scoring eight goals in thirty-three appearances.
At the age of 20, Leroy has to first prove himself as an asset to Manchester City before he can be hailed as an excellent signing. However, as Ozil stated, working under Guardiola could see Sane improve drastically.
Making his debut for Die Knappen in 2014, it only took just under two years for the former Schalke ace to make a name for himself in his nation’s top-tier league, garnering attention from Europe’s elite clubs. Although the Premier League is a tougher prospect, a meteoric rise of similar fashion cannot be ruled out.
The Gunners, meanwhile, have their own issues to focus on as a much-needed new striker is yet to be signed. Fans await an update on rumored transfer targets Alexandre Lacazette and Mauro Icardi.
Arsenal and Manchester City will meet for their first clash on December 17th at the Etihad Stadium, followed by a rematch on April 1st in London.
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