Mesut Ozil’s agent provides update on Arsenal future/Hints at January exit
Dr. Erkut Sogut, the representative of out of favour Arsenal star Mesut Ozil, has this evening provided an update on the status of negotiations regarding a potential exit from the club.
Last Updated: January 13, 2021 9:15 am
Out in the cold
Much of the media chatter surrounding ongoings at the Emirates of late has of course centered on former German international Ozil.
This comes with Mikel Arteta having doubled down on his efforts to freeze the ex-Real Madrid man out of his first-team setup this season.
Upon Spanish tactician Arteta taking the reins in north London late last year, Ozil’s initial experience actually proved quite positive. The 32-year-old was afforded a consistent string of starts by his new boss, suggesting that he was set to prove central to the plans of Arteta moving forward.
Bizarrely, however, since football’s return on the back of the initial Covid-19 outbreak during the summer, Ozil has not received a single minute of playing time.
Arteta, meanwhile, has made crystal clear that this situation is unlikely to change any time soon, through a pair of high-profile calls.
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 15: Per Mertesacker and Fredrik Ljungberg of Arsenal look on as Mesut Ozil kicks his gloves in the air in frustration after he is subbed during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester City at Emirates Stadium on December 15, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Robin Jones/Getty Images)
First, the Arsenal boss opted to omit Ozil from his Europa League group stage squad.
And this was swiftly followed by news that the gifted midfielder had also not been afforded a place in the Gunners’ 25-man Premier League panel.
Arsenal’s Premier League squad in full. As expected, Ozil and Sokratis miss out. pic.twitter.com/Jy0KlxxO0b
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) October 20, 2020
‘We’re in this process…’
Much has since been made of such decisions, with Arsenal’s struggles for creativity over lengthy stretches of the campaign having seen many point towards Ozil as a potential solution.
Nevertheless, the widespread assumption has long remained that, with Arteta likely to be handed until at least the end of the season to fully prove himself, Ozil’s career in north London is all but over.
In turn, speculation in the media has begun to mount of late that a January exit could even be on the cards.
A host of clubs have been tipped as potential landing spots for the German, with Fenerbahce and DC United the most heavily linked.
And, as outlined above, an in-depth insight into the situation has this evening been provided by none other than Ozil’s representative.
Speaking during an interview with BeIn Sport TR, Dr. Erkut Sogut was drawn on his client’s current standing in north London, as well as whether negotiations have yet been opened with other clubs.
And the German-born agent went on to confirm as much, before, for the first time, softening his stance that Ozil is certain to see out the remainder of his Arsenal contract:
‘Of course I can’t say too much about this right now because of confidentiality. Even if I want to I couldn’t say too much about this. But everybody knows a bit.’
‘There is a short period of time left on Mesut Ozil’s contract. In the summer this contract will finish as everyone knows.’
‘At the moment Mesut is free to talk to any club he likes. English rules dictate that you can talk to any club once you get into the final six months of your contract. We’re doing this at the moment. We’re in this process.’
‘At the moment Mesut can sign a new contract with whichever club he likes. He’s free and he’s free to do that. We are doing this and of course Arsenal football club knows this.’
WATFORD, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 15: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal arrives prior to the Premier League match between Watford FC and Arsenal FC at Vicarage Road on September 15, 2019 in Watford, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
‘Within this there are two alternatives. Either we stay until the end of the season and leave later, or after striking a deal we will leave in January.’
‘Basically, there are two options. Both sides appreciate this and obviously both sides need to be happy to strike a deal. Mesut has been working here for nearly eight years. And because of that these things don’t get sorted in one or two days unfortunately.’
‘They are going to be handled correctly and professionally. Hopefully between both sides, especially for us and Mesut, no matter what it can be sorted as soon as possible.’
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This article was edited by Josh Barker.
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| Salah, Mohamed | Liverpool FC | 13 |
| Kane, Harry | Tottenham Hotspur FC | 12 |
| Son, Heung Min | Tottenham Hotspur FC | 12 |
| Fernandes, Bruno | Manchester United FC | 11 |
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| Bellerin, Hector | Arsenal FC | 0 | 6 |
| Gallagher, Conor | West Bromwich Albion | 0 | 6 |
| Bissouma, Yves | Brighton & Hove Albion FC | 1 | 5 |
| Egan, John | Sheffield United FC | 1 | 5 |
| Hayden, Isaac | Newcastle United FC | 0 | 6 |
| McGinn, John | Aston Villa FC | 0 | 5 |
| Reid, Bobby | Fulham FC | 0 | 5 |
| Doucoure, Abdoulaye | Everton FC | 0 | 5 |
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| Evans, Jonny | Leicester City FC | 0 | 5 |
| Lundstram, John | Sheffield United FC | 1 | 4 |
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| De Bruyne, Kevin | Manchester City FC | 9 |
| Grealish, Jack | Aston Villa FC | 8 |
| Fernandes, Bruno | Manchester United FC | 7 |
| Son, Heung Min | Tottenham Hotspur FC | 6 |
| Rashford, Marcus | Manchester United FC | 5 |
| Robertson, Andrew | Liverpool FC | 5 |
| Digne, Lucas | Everton FC | 5 |
| Vardy, Jamie | Leicester City FC | 4 |
| Ward-Prowse, James | Southampton FC | 4 |
| Werner, Timo | Chelsea FC | 4 |
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| Cresswell, Aaron | West Ham United FC | 4 |
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