Arsenal boss Arteta gives most cryptic response yet on Ozil future

Mikel Arteta has once again refused to give anything away on the future of Mesut Ozil at Arsenal.

Ozil is out of contract at the end of next season, and has not played for Arsenal since the Premier League restarted. A combination of injuries and mixed form have restricted him to just 18 out of a possible 35 Premier League appearances this season.

Rumours continue to circulate that this will be Ozil’s final season at the club. His sizeable wages are a concern when he has contributed little in 2019-20.

However, manager Arteta was in no mood to disclose what was happening with Ozil when asked if he was still part of his plans after Arsenal lost the north London derby.

“Well, he’s still in the same position as he was last week or two weeks ago,” said Arteta. “And we said that we will manage everything internally.”

When pressed further about what he meant, Arteta simply added: “That I have nothing to say.”

Arteta and Ozil spent three years as teammates for Arsenal during the former’s playing career. In the years since the former’s move into coaching, however, Ozil has struggled to replicate the levels that made Arsenal pay around €50m for him back in 2013.

Ozil was an unused substitute in Arsenal’s games against Brighton and Southampton back in June. However, he has not made the squad in the five games since then.

 

 

ARTETA HAS BEEN ‘FAIR’ WITH OZIL

Speaking after the defeat to Man City last month, Arteta claimed he had been fair with Ozil.

“I have been very open with Mesut from day one,” explained Arteta.

“Since I joined I thought that he was fit and he was willing. And that he also wanted to perform at the level he can do.

“He has played every game with me I think. So that it is. The moment I see that he is ready again to do that, I will treat him like anybody else.

“I think I have been more than fair with him, he has responded in many games the way I want. That’s it.”