Mesut Ozil has reportedly received a ‘serious’ offer from DC United as the Washington side continue their efforts to sign the German who was in talks over an artisan coffee shop at their home stadium.

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)
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)

Back in 2019, Mesut Ozil’s reps met with DC United in a move that was originally rumoured to be about a winter transfer, turned out to be about coffee but might end up with the Americans trying to sign the German anyway.

It was reported in 2019 by Steven Goff, the David Ornstein of DC United, that Mesut Ozil’s reps were set to meet with DC United.

It wasn’t long before the story became DC United inquiring about a move in the winter window as they looked to replace Wayne Rooney. However, Ozil’s reps were also there to discuss the opening of a branch of 39 Steps Coffee Haus, a coffee chain owned by the German.

One was set to open at Audi Field, home of DC United, towards the end of 2019.

“Our expectations are to open the coffee shop in 2019 and hopefully before the season ends sometime in October,” DC United senior vice president of business Sam Porter told Pro Soccer USA. “Sometimes these things take longer, but that is our hope.”

That’s not to say DC United didn’t want to sign Ozil, they apparently did then and still do now, but as I said last year, it was a long-shot then, and, if it were to happen, it would not be before next summer, which is now the summer that’s just gone.

Mesut Ozil was said to be against a move to the club in 2019 but I thought at the time his situation in London with his security could change his mind. Little did I know how things would pan out for him at Arsenal over the next 18 months.

Arsenal are of course gaging to selling the German – if they can find someone who is willing to pay his wages before his contract runs out. I didn’t think that would be a club like DC United until I spoke to one of their hardcore (but sensible) fans who seemed to think it might be possible.

Ozil, for his part, wasn’t intending on going anywhere until his Arsenal contract runs out, despite the Daily Mail claiming in December that DC United have made him an offer while he also mulls over January moves to Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

Now, however, Chris Wheatley is saying that the player is indeed in negotiations:

https://twitter.com/ChrisWheatley_/status/1346552954480979969?s=09

Fenerbahce also want him but, as usual, can’t afford him. They can never afford any Arsenal players they’re linked with, like David Ospina, for instance. Ozil will also collect a loyalty bonus should he stay at the club until the summer.

Ozil, however, believes he still has what it takes to play for a top side.

39 Steps

39 steps
39 Steps

The name of Mesut Ozil’s coffee empire, according to its Twitter account, comes from the fact “There are 39 steps from bean on the bush to the cup in your hand and we guide every one. This is artisan coffee by obsessives, for obsessives.”

There are currently three in London – one in Soho, another in Woolwich and a third in Knightsbridge.

They also have a coffee roasters, an app, and a much larger buisness than I was expecting to find given I’d never even heard about it until today.

You can visit their website here and find out more if you’re so inclined.