Is there a future for Ozil at The Emirates?
Following weeks of speculation over possible unrest surrounding Mesut Ozil, his Arsenal days may be coming to an end.
Despite taking part in the Europa League clash in Madrid, Ozil was noticeably absent from the weekend’s clash with Burnley. This was also Arsene Wenger’s last home game as Arsenal boss. He was in the stands on Sunday to watch the Gunners win 5-0. He was not named in the starting 11 or on the bench.
Keown Criticism to blame?
It’s possible that Martin Keown’s well publicised post match rant on Thursday could have influenced Wenger’s decision to omit him. Keown, commenting on the Europa League fixture for BT Sport said “He isn’t fit to wear the shirt”. Keown also suggested that a display of emotion post match from Ozil was insincere. He also claimed “It seems he picks and chooses his games”.
Ozil himself tweeted he was sorry to miss the game due to his back injury, to add further confusion.
With the dressing room divide prior to the departure of Alexis Sanchez still raw, could lightning strike twice in North London?
Departure of Arsene Wenger
Mesut Ozil is a outspoken fan of Wenger. He once said in a Sky Sports interview that Wenger was “The main reason” he joined the club in 2013.
Now that Wenger is leaving the club, the midfielder could be looking for an exit. Particularly in a transfer window that includes a World Cup. Ozil will be looking to showcase his talents on the greatest stage of all. Thus wooing potential suitors, having already won the 2014 tournament with Germany.
However, with Wenger leaving Arsenal, the board could be looking to offload the midfielder. Thus freeing up funds for the incoming manager, and saving £300,000 a week in wages.
The same wage as new signings Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang combined. Ozil is the highest earner in the club’s history. Having previously employed a strict wage structure that has come a little unstuck in recent times – largely due to the number of marquee signings made to appease the fans.
Despite all of this, Ozil did recently sign a contract extension keeping him at Arsenal until 2022. However, in today’s game, this simply means the receiving club will have to pay a higher fee to buy the player out of his contract.
In Summary
It doesn’t look good for the German International with the odds stacked against him. His own apparent indifference to the situation is not helping any parties involved.
There’s no question of where he could go. A World Cup winner at 26, he still has several years left in his career. One thing is certain, Mesut Ozil’s future will be decided before the year is out.
It's a pity I missed yesterday's match with my back injury. It'll need some time but I'm sure I'll fully recover in time for the World Cup. Once again I'd like to thank our boss. It was an honour playing for you, Mon. Wenger! Thanks for all the memories we shared together. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/8VlfJjJ2EX
— Mesut Özil (@M10) May 7, 2018
