COMMERCE CITY, CO - JULY 15: Mesut Oezil #10 of Arsenal waves to fans during the second half against the Colorado Rapids at Dick's Sporting Goods Park on July 15, 2019 in Commerce City, Colorado. (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Arsenal Gossip

D.C. United host Özil’s agent in Washington: They want to sign him next year

Aug 16, 2019

D.C. United hosted Mesut Özil’s agent in Washington on Wednesday, as they attempt to convince the playmaker to move to the MLS next year.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 04: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal looks on during the Joan Gamper trophy friendly match between FC Barcelona and Arsenal at Nou Camp on August 04, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) — BARCELONA, SPAIN – AUGUST 04: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal looks on during the Joan Gamper trophy friendly match between FC Barcelona and Arsenal at Nou Camp on August 04, 2019, in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The Washington Post report that D.C. United have begun their pursuit of the Arsenal midfielder as a replacement for the star squad spot currently held by Wayne Rooney. Club executives Jason Levien and Sam Porter met with agent Erkut Sogut on Wednesday.

The American outlet wouldn’t reveal their source, stating that they “requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly on the matter”. It seems as if the information is reliable though.

As The Washington Post admit, Özil has a business connection to D.C. United, as the owner of 39 Steps Coffee. The company is looking to open a branch at Audi Field, D.C. United’s ground.

Nonetheless, the report suggests the meeting with Özil’s agent was about more than just his coffee business. D.C. United wanted to sign him this winter, but they believe next summer is a more realistic time to push a move through.

Özil is yet to return to the pitch for Arsenal competitively this season, with the off-field problems he’s having at the moment. Ideally, he’ll return soon and prove himself too indispensable to sell to the MLS.