As reported by Goal, Oscar has been urged to join Arsenal by David Luiz and Willian. “They called me, they had to call me. Because we have good communication. Sometimes I talk to them. They said ‘come to Arsenal, come here.” said the Shanghai SIPG playmaker, during an interview with Fox Sports Brazil.
Oscar did later clarify that a move is impossible this summer, stating, “But for me it’s a little more difficult. I have a contract with Shanghai, it’s a little more difficult to leave.”
However, the Brazilian is reportedly open to a return to Europe if a suitable offer comes through, meaning Arsenal could potentially make a move for him next summer or even in the January transfer window.
How Did Oscar Fare Since Chelsea?
Oscar joined Shanghai SIPG in a shock €60 million move from Chelsea, back in January 2017. He was one of the first big-name footballers to join the Chinese Super League, with players like Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, Axel Witsel, Marouane Fellaini among many others, following his footsteps in the years that followed.
Regardless, Oscar has established himself as a star in the Chinese top flight. He has featured in 132 league games, scoring 44 goals while registering 73 assists. Such incredible numbers in the final third have helped Shanghai SIPG retain their status as one of the best clubs, not only in China but also in Asia.
Unfortunately, Oscar’s consistent performances in the CPL hasn’t been enough to retain his place in the Brazilian national team. He is yet to feature for the Selecao since 2015, and the 2014 FIFA World Cup still remains his last major competition at the international stage.
How Does Oscar Fit Into Arsenal?
Arsenal have had difficulties accommodating Mesut Ozil into Mikel Arteta’s new-look Arsenal side. Not to mention, the German himself has experienced a rapid decline over the past couple of years while his expensive wages have crippled the club’s financial firepower.
However, the lack of a proper number ten has resulted in Arsenal finding it difficult to create chances, especially against big teams. It was a problem for them last season, so the addition of someone like Oscar could help boost their chance creation in the final third.
What makes the Brazilian such an appealing target for Arsenal is that he has the experience of playing in the Premier League. He had featured in 121 English top-flight matches during his time at Chelsea and that exposure should help him settle in quickly at the Emirates.
Oscar is also a like for like replacement for Ozil. He can craft opportunities whilst acting as a ball-carrier in half-spaces. It serves well for Arteta’s tactical philosophy that usually requires technical skill, and Oscar can surely provide that.
