It seems that Arsenal are now in a catch-22 situation with German playmaker Mesut Ozil. Gunners boss Unai Emery decided to leave Ozil out of the squad for their 4-0 Europa League win over Standard Liege on Thursday night. The Gunners are the favourites to win the competition at odds of 6/1.
In fact, Ozil was not in the squad for Arsenal’s last Premier League game, a 1-1 draw at Manchester United. The former Real Madrid star looks to have no future at the north London, having made just one Premier League appearance this season.
Emery has never been a fan
The arrival of Unai Emery as Arsenal boss last summer immediately cast doubts over the Gunners future of the playmaker. He never came across as a player who fitted Emery’s style of play.
At periods of last season, Ozil almost inevitably found himself in and out of the first-team. In fact, last season the German made just 20 Premier League starts for the Gunners, producing five goals and two assists.
It almost felt like boss Emery had to play the former Germany international because of his profile. However, the Spaniard decided he picked players on form and who fitted his system, which was, of course, the right thing to do.
Nobody will match Ozil’s wages
The problem that Arsenal have is that Mesut Ozil is on £350,000 per-week. He is the highest-earning player in the history of the club. Yet, he is a luxury player. On his day he can be a very good player, but it seems those days are getting few and far between.
No doubt Arsenal would be willing to allow Ozil to leave in the near future. However, the sticking point will be his wages. Is there really a club out there willing to match the German’s ridiculous wages at Arsenal?
He is no longer good enough for any of Europe’s big clubs. His best option seems to be to hope that a Chinese club will sign him to boost their profile.
Reports suggest that Ozil is happy to stay at Arsenal and collect his wages. This would come as no little to Gunners fans who have watched him in recent years.
His character has been brought into question a number of times during his Arsenal career. Who can blame him for not wanting to take a wage cut? It’s only human nature. However, you would think that he would have enough professional pride to take a small wage cut to actually play football. We might see in the next transfer window.
Arsenal doing okay without Ozil
The former Real Madrid star is now surplus to requirements in north London. He is just an expensive bench warmer, if he is fortunate enough to get on the bench. Unai Emery is setting his team up without Ozil because he believes that the German does not fit into his plans. This is a head coach’s job and the Gunners do not need Ozil.
If Emery believed that the playmaker could bring anything to the team, then he would have been in the team. He does not seem to have the sort of character to work his way back into the starting eleven either. From past history, it seems more likely he will sulk instead.
The sooner Mesut Ozil and Arsenal part company the better. The pair have enjoyed a mixed relationship. However, it now seems that it could be the end of the line for Mesut Ozil in north London.
Will Mesut Ozil leave Arsenal in the January transfer window?
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
