Overseas chatter about Mesut Ozil potentially ditching Arsenal to come play in Major League Soccer picked up again over the weekend, begging the obvious question: Which MLS clubs would provide the best landing spot?
There are several factors to consider, including team fit, the availability of a Designated Player slot and a willingness to splash some big cash. We ran all the relevant info through the ol' transfer-o-meter and in turn it spit out four great MLS destinations for a wily playmaker who has racked up over 200 assists for the Gunners, Real Madrid, Werder Bremen and Schalke.
D.C. United
Ozil already has a relationship with the Black-and-Red, even if it's mostly coffee-related at the moment. That could easily change. With D.C. already having lost Wayne Rooney and with Lucho Acostareportedly set to follow, there is some star attacking power in need of replacing. Ozil may be the perfect target for the Audi Field crew, who suffered from a stale attack approach for much of the season.
LA Galaxy
Romain Alessandrini | USA Today Sports Images
The G-Men are always on the lookout for international stars, and if Romain Alessandrini and/or Zlatan Ibrahimovic depart, they'll have a DP slot open for Ozil. The veteran dime artist would certainly solve a la-la land problem. The Galaxy have lacked a true offensive engine up the middle, making their attack somewhat predictable for most of the last two seasons. And if Zlatan sticks around, just imagine how much he could score given a fresh avenue toward goal.
Inter Miami
We know David Beckham's expansion club are on the lookout for Designated Player-level difference-makers, and German outlet Bild has claimed that he's tried selling Ozil on a move to sunny Florida. It's an obvious answer to the question of where the World Cup winner could turn up in MLS, but one that provides an added lure. If Ozil goes to Miami, he can play in a squad that is built around him.
Philadelphia Union
Marco Fabian | USA Today Sports Images
Should the Union opt to pick up their option on Marco Fabian, then go ahead and perish this thought. However, the Mexico international's performance did not match his lofty salary and the club could well let him go. If that happens, Ernst Tanner might like to make a run at a playmaker that more closely matches Philly's pass-them-to-death-from-midfield ethos.
