Mesut Ozil is close to completing a January loan move to Fenerbahce, according to reports.
Damien Comolli, who is the Turkish club’s sporting director, allegedly jetted to London to discuss the deal earlier this week.
According to Turkish newspaper Fotomac, Fenerbahce are “very” close to reaching an agreement with Ozil.
It is reported that there are only a few minor issues to iron out before the deal can be confirmed.
If a stunning deal can be agreed, he is expected to join Ersun Yanal’s side on loan until the end of the season.
Arteta has been tasked with offloading the 31-year-old permanently when he takes over from Freddie Ljungberg.
Arsenal tried to get rid of him last summer but received very little interest because of his huge wage demands.
The £350,000-a-week playmaker has hinted in the past that he would entertain the idea of playing for Fenerbahce.
In 2015, his agent said: “If he were to leave then Fenerbahce would be an option. At the end of the day it is a huge club and I think Ozil would say yes to an offer if it come down to it.”
Ozil risked infuriating the Gunners chiefs with his comments regarding China’s persecution of the Uighur population.
The midfielder took to Instagram to speak out against the situation in north west Xianjiang and urged other Muslims to speak out with him. – The Sun
Everton are closing in on the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager – but caretaker boss Duncan Ferguson will remain in charge for today’s lunchtime game with Arsenal.
Ancelotti, 60, is still to sign what would be a lucrative long-term contract following talks with Everton owner Farhad Moshiri in London this week.
But it appears the major details are settled after the Italian cut his ties with Napoli following his sacking, and he could be at Goodison Park on Saturday.
However, Everton are remaining guarded until they are in a position to make a formal announcement.
Ferguson, 47, will be at the helm against an Arsenal side expected to have a new manager of their own by then, with Mikel Arteta expected to be confirmed yesterday.
