There have claims and counter-claims surrounding the future of Arsenal’s and ex-Germany international Mesut Ozil. The claims have suggested nothing more than saying the 31-year-old could be on his way out of the Emirates Stadium before the end of his contract next year.
It should be recalled that the player was heavily linked with a move to Fenerbahce during the first half of the season due to lack of regular first-team action under the then Arsenal boss Unai Emery.
Unfortunately, Ozil’s proposed move and talks about his move to the Turkish side failed to materialize as Emery was shown the exit door in November owing to run of poor form.
Ozil then became a regular starter for the Gunners under Freddie Ljungberg, who replaced the Spanish tactician.
Furthermore, Ozil’s be an integral part of Mikel Arteta’s team since he took over from Ljungberg, but there are still claims that the former Real Madrid playmaker could leave Arsenal by the end of the season.
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However, Ozil’s agent Dr Erkut Sogut has confirmed the player’s desire to remain under Arteta’s tutelage until 2021.
According to him, Ozil still has 15 months left to run on his current deal with the North London club, and he wants to help them return to their glory days as soon as possible.
Sogut said:
“He still has 15 months to go. Until then, he will stay at Arsenal, for sure. He will stay until the end of his contract. There’s no chance he’ll leave.”
Since joining the Gunners from Real Madrid seven years ago, the 92-cap former Germany international has notched up 183 Premier matches, with 33 goals and 53 assists to his name for the Gunners. (Premier League)
He has won three FA Cup trophies but he is yet to lift the Premier League title. He has been an integral part of Arteta’s team this season and the manager will rely on him to help the team qualify for next season’s Champions League competition.
Having crashed out of the Europa League following their 2-1 defeat to Olympiakos on Thursday, the Gunners now need to end the season among the top-four clubs to stand a chance of featuring in Champions League campaign next season.
Meanwhile, Arteta has charged his men to up their game if they must beat Chelsea, Tottenham, Wolves and Manchester United to the fourth position.
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Speaking after Tuesday’s Europa League ouster, the former Spanish midfielder urge his players to keep believing in themselves and respond brilliantly to the shock defeat suffered at the Emirates Stadium.
Arteta said:
“I just want to concentrate now on lifting those players, getting back the belief, and convincing them that there is still a lot to play for, and move on.”
With 11 Premier League matches to go until end of the season, Arteta and cohorts cannot be ruled out in the race for a top-four finish this season. Arsenal are currently sitting ninth on the Premier League table with 37 points from 27 matches at the time of this article. They are seven points behind Chelsea who are in the fourth position.