There have been conflicting reports this week regarding the future of Mesut Ozil. Rumours were circulating that the German playmaker was preparing to head off as soon as a suitable offer came in.
Those said to be suitors were the usual suspects and included a couple of MLS clubs and old favourite Fenerbahce. During the winter break, Ozil confessed that he didn’t know what the future had in store but his agent has said there is “no chance” he will leave north London.
In an elaborate game of contractual one-upmanship, Ozil’s agent, Dr. Erkut Sogut added some much-needed clarity to the ‘will he won’t he’ scenario:
“He still has 15 months to go,”
He said quashing the rumors flat:
“Until then, he will stay at Arsenal, for sure. He will stay until the end of his contract. There’s no chance he’ll leave.”
Well, of course, Ozil has all the aces in the pack, he can plod away at Arsenal on £350,000 per week until 2021 and then leave on a free or wait for a bank-busting offer from the land of popcorn and footlongs.
Arsenal have allegedly told the agent that they will not renew his contract, especially on his current wage and that should they receive an offer, they will let the player go. The problem is that the player doesn’t have to go anywhere and is under no obligation to terminate his agreement at the Emirates unless he is convinced that a deal with a new club gives him everything he wants.
Arsenal want to rid themselves of the German and although Ozil has featured regularly under Mikel Arteta, he is said not to be in his long term plans. Ozil has stuck by his guns before with Arsenal prepared to cut him loose in January, but the midfielder wasn’t interested.
It’s a massive impasse that could have been avoided. The club were virtually conned into the current contract during the Alexis Sanchez debacle and rather than losing two stars and risk the wrath of fans, they tied up Ozil to a ridiculous and inflated figure.
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I like Ozil when he’s on form but that is rare, he has somehow managed to go from the highest level to average to mediocre in three seasons. Compared to De Bruyne, Ozil is a body in midfield capable of occasional class. Tragically inconsistent and lacking in motivation, Ozil has stolen his money during his protracted conflict with Unai Emery. His best days are behind him and he can only become a squad player at best next season if Arsenal upgrade.
