MESUT OZIL wants to STAY at Arsenal and see out the final six months of his deal, according to his agent – despite the club wanting him gone in January.
The Gunners midfielder, 32, was axed from Mikel Arteta’s Premier League and Europa League squads at the start of the season.
Meust Ozil could stay at Arsenal and run down his contract, which expires in June 2021Credit: PA:Press Association
Ozil currently earns £350,000 to not even make the bench, with clubs from all over the world, including MLS teams, chasing his signature.
But his agent, Erkut Sogut has revealed the playmaker is still “willing to honour his contract and play” rather look for an escape route when the January transfer window opens.
Ozil currently has a little over six months left on his current contract.
Sogut told Tuttomercato: “Even one day is a long time in football, you never know.
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“Of course, there are many clubs interested in him.
“This has never changed but his willingness to honour his contract and play hasn’t changed either.
“He’s a man of his word, loyal, and loyalty is hard to find in these times.
“[Ozil] loves the club and the fans and is deeply sorry that he has not been given a chance this season.”
Sogut also revealed Arsenal never told him they planned to axe Ozil from their Premier League squad.
Meanwhile, Arteta has admitted Ozil COULD return to his side in 2021 with the club languishing in 15th in the Premier League, desperately lacking a creative spark.
The Gunners boss said: “He’s not in the squad right now. I’m focusing just on the players we have here.
“But, whatever happens in January, we have some time to decide.”
Arsenal technical director Edu has also revealed the club have held talks with Ozil and Sogut about his – and the club’s – current dire situation.
Edu said: “I talked to him, Mikel talked to his agent, I talked to his agent about some possibilities…
Ozil’s agent Erkut Sogut has insisted the midfielder is still keen to play for ArsenalCredit: Getty Images – Getty
“Not fighting, just some things to try and help each other.
“The way we see his future at the club, the way we see him here… it’s quite clear.
“We treat the situation man to man. No-one hides anything, and Mikel explained to you guys a lot.
“People might start to ask: ‘what are you going to do in the winter window?’
“Of course we will try to do something but, listen, we have the responsibility to change it.
“Don’t wait for someone outside to come inside and be a magician because that’s not going to happen.”
Mikel Arteta drops huge hint that Mesut Ozil could be recalled to squad in January
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
