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Ozil turned down £1 million a week offer to stay at Arsenal says agent

Mesut Ozil’s agent Dr Erkut Sogut has revealed that the former Germany international turned down offers of up to £1 million-a-week from Asia to commit his future to Arsenal.

The 30-year-old joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in a £42.5 million deal back in 2013 and despite dividing opinion during his time in North London, he has scored 30 goals and provided 51 assists in 152 Premier League appearances.

Ozil became the highest paid player in Gunners history when he signed a new contract reportedly worth £350,000 per week to stay at the Emirates last January.

However, Sogut has since told the London Evening Standard that his client could have made treble that amount by moving to Asia and also revealed just how valuable Ozil’s massive social media following makes him.

“We had some really big offers from Asia – there were some crazy offers,” Sogut said.

“But, for Mesut, money was by no means the biggest factor.

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“Money is definitely one important thing to consider, but people must remember that footballing ability is just one aspect of a contract negotiation. The commercial impact of a footballer is crucial nowadays.

“Mesut has the biggest social media following of any player in the Premier League and I just read that his shirt numbers (sales) were the largest at the club. At the end of the day, this is all information that has to be taken into consideration.

“So, the commercial side is very big with a player like Mesut, who has played in different countries and was the No10 of the Germany team, where he won the World Cup. His market is worldwide. The club makes money out of these players as well.”

Sogut also revealed that Ozil’s ultimately decided that he wanted to remain an Arsenal player as he loves the club.

“It came down to what was in his heart,” Sogut added.

“We were free to sign with other clubs and, in the end, Mesut loves the club. I put everything to him and he just said, ‘This is my home, I want to be here’.”

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