Harry Diamond
Mikel Arteta has admitted that Mesut Ozil will be allowed to leave Arsenal this month, though only if the deal is ‘good for both parties’.
Ozil has been frozen out by the north London side this season and has not featured for the club since March, being left out of the Gunners’ squads for both the Premier League and Europa League.
The 32-year-old has entered the final months of his contract and has long insisted he will see out the remainder of his club-record deal despite finding himself ostracised at the Emirates, though reports this week have suggested the midfielder is close to agreeing a deal with Fenerbahce.
Arteta has now given his verdict on the out-of-favour German’s future and says a deal can be struck during the January window if the transfer suits all those involved.
“If something is sorted this month [in the January transfer window], it’s because it’s good for both parties,” the Arsenal boss told a press conference.
“Good for Mesut and his future, and good for the club. If that’s the case, we will move forward. If that’s not the case, the player will continue here.”
⬢ Most chances created in a PL season
⬢ Most chances created in a PL game
⬢ Most chances created in a UCL gameMesut Özil is one of the finest playmakers of his generation. 〽️ pic.twitter.com/AxUWOA54O0
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) January 6, 2021
Arteta also discussed his decision to omit Ozil from the Arsenal squad for the current campaign, with the north Londoners having struggled for creativity during a disappointing start to the season which leaves the Gunners in the Premier League’s bottom half.
The Spaniard admits he knew the ‘consequences’ of his decision to omit the World Cup winner and says another decision must now be made on Ozil’s future following the re-opening of the squad registration window.
“A lot of decisions have to be made on players on all the time,” he said.
“To play them or not play them. We know that we have a very important player, a key player in the past few seasons for this football club.
“I had to make a decision [to drop him from the squad], and I made it. I knew the consequences of it. Now we are going to have to make another one in January.
“We must balance what is the best option for the team, the club and what the intentions of the player is, we must try and find a solution to that.”
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