Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has claimed that Arsenal are unlikely to sell Mesut Ozil come January, but I’m not so sure that decision is been made already.
The German international is out of contract come the end of the season, and is sidelined with a knee injury at present.
Arsenal have been hitting top form of late in his absence, and the player could well struggle to break back into the first-team should the club continue to strive while he is sidelined.
Paul Merson has claimed that Ozil doesn’t work hard enough to warrant his immediate inclusion on his return to fitness, and should he fail to hold down a regular starting role this term, I see no reason not to cash-in come January, instead of losing him for free six months later.
Inter Milan are one of the clubs believed to hold an interest in his signature, but their sporting director is of the belief that he will not be available mid-season.
Ausilio said: “I don’t think players like him [Ozil] will be leaving in January.
“Luciano Spalletti knows this team has room from improvement, that’s what we are working on.
“A new centre-back? We are looking for new opportunities but we have D’Ambrosio and other Primavera team players.”
Does Ozil deserve a first-team role this term? Should he struggle for first-team football could he push for an early exit? Is there any hope of keeping Ozil beyond the summer?
Pat J