Ozil central to divisions under Arteta at Arsenal – report

The Arsenal squad is split over the first-team integration of Mesut Ozil under Mikel Arteta.

Ozil is yet to feature for Arsenal this season, his most recent appearance for the Gunners coming in March, pre-lockdown.

The German has been ostracised by Arteta for seemingly falling short of the manager’s non-negotiables – although Ozil is ‘convinced’ he is being punished for his outspoken nature.


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The Daily Telegraph say his predicament has led to splits forming in the dressing-room, with some of the belief that he should be reinstated to the first team in January.

Ozil was omitted from Arteta’s squads when Arsenal’s Premier League and Europa League sides were revealed, but can be recalled when they are updated in the new year.

That decision has led to the splits that were recently reported within the team, with Ozil ‘having the support of a group of senior players’.

He has ‘impressed team-mates in training recently’ and has often spoken publicly of his wish to help the club in their current struggles.

“It’s a very difficult time for everyone around the club, not just for me,” he said recently. “The situation is frustrating for everyone.

“Of course I would wish I could help the team, especially right now. But as long as I don’t get the chance I just hope that we get better results very soon again.”

The 32-year-old will be free to talk to other non-Premier League clubs as soon as next week as he enters the final six months of his lucrative contract in north London.

His agent, Dr Erkut Sogut, confirmed transfer meetings with Fenerbahce but stated the likelihood was that Ozil would complete the season with Arsenal before reviewing his future in the summer.

 

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