Ozil Facing Uncertain Arsenal Future News

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Ozil Facing Uncertain Arsenal Future

By Daily Sports on April 29, 2020

Mesut Ozil’s future at Arsenal looks increasingly uncertain with the club yet to offer an extension on his contract which expires in 2021, sources have told ESPN.

Ozil was informed he could leave the Gunners last summer as relations soured with former Arsenal boss Unai Emery but the midfielder enjoyed a renaissance under Mikel Arteta, starting all 10 Premier League games since the Spaniard took charge in December.

However, it is understood that revival has not led to a change in stance from the club's hierarchy, who are yet to open talks over prolonging Ozil’s stay in north London – heightening the possibility he could either leave either at the end of this season or on a free transfer once his existing deal expires.

The 31-year-old’s £350,000-a-week wage has been a source of controversy almost from the moment he signed it in January 2018.

Ozil then had six months left on his previous agreement and, having already allowed Alexis Sanchez to depart for Manchester United in a swap deal for Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Arsenal were under pressure not to lose their other star name.

The Gunners shattered their wage structure to keep Ozil, a move sanctioned by former chief executive Ivan Gazidis and initially praised in many quarters as a sign of the club’s aspirational intent.

However, Ozil’s salary has always remained an outlier when compared with the rest of the squad – even today, the next-best earner is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on around £200,000-a-week – and under Emery he became a marginalised figure unable to justify his status as one of the highest-paid players in England.

In an effort to avoid being backed into a corner during contractual negotiations, Arsenal adopted a policy in the wake of Gazidis’ departure to sell players who are unwilling to commit their futures to the club before they enter the final year of their contracts.

The situation is different with Ozil, who has not agitated to leave and even previously expressed an interest in staying beyond 2021 but given he turns 32 in October, there are doubts over whether he will remain part of Arteta’s long-term plans.

That means the club may look to sell this summer, but interested clubs have in the past found his salary a major obstacle. Inter Milan, AC Milan and Fenerbahce were previously keen but were unable to match his wages. Ozil has also attracted suitors in China but did not show any desire to move to Asia at the time. He has consistently stated in public he aims to see out his contract.

The picture is unconnected with Arsenal’s recent pay cut row. Ozil is one of at least three players to reject the club’s request for the entire first-team squad to take a wage reduction of 12.5% for 12 months with Arteta insisting during talks that any individual could opt out without fear of future repercussions. (ESPN)

•PHOTO: Mesut Ozil

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 29, 2020