One of the best things to happen during the transfer season is to read about how every other player is linked to Arsenal. But, the other side of the coin is to read all those stories that keep linking Arsenal players with the exit door.
So, one of the latest speculations coming out of the media is of Mesut Ozil. The German playmaker is linked with a transfer to Juventus. There is no way to determine the authenticity or even the origins of these. But these tend to make their way to the management. And so when Wenger came out suggesting that Ozil is not going out anywhere, he probably meant to quash the rumours.
Ozil joined the Gunners from Real Madrid two years ago. During this time he made 48 Premier League appearances. The German midfielder made a promising start to his Arsenal career. He became an instant favourite with the fans. Since his signing was also a costly one, there was a sense of appreciation among fans that finally Wenger is ready to loosen the purse strings.
However, his form tapered off and last season was full of ups and downs. Sadly for the supporters, there were more downs than ups. There was too much pressure on Ozil because of the expectations. It looked like he was a little bit unsettled until he returned from injury tougher and stronger.
“If I continue to develop well and stay healthy, I would like, in the next few years, to hold the Ballon d’Or in my hands,” Ozil said. “I am convinced that it can happen.
“I’m feeling very positive. I’m a world champion and I play at a top club in the Premier League. There is much more of a physical test here than there is in Spain or in the Bundesliga – I constantly have bruises, but that makes me harder. I feel physically better than ever.”
Wenger was quick to refute the rumours that the German international is set for a switch to the Serie A Champions Juventus. Wenger already has reiterated his wish to put Ozil in the central role ratherthan Alexis Sanchez. This way he wants to get the best out of his German star. And all this despite the fact that Sanchez had the best of that role in the Copa America.
It would be an interesting season not just for Wenger but also for Ozil. He often gets criticized for being invisible in important games. That is a bitter truth that will hurt Ozil till the time he starts performing against big teams.
There is no way Ozil is moving out of the club this season. We can’t say it for sure that he will stay at the club forever. But, Ozil is surely staying for another year and will prove his worth. Moving into a central role should help Ozil and Arsenal. Who knows…maybe at the end of next season, the Gunners could win the Champions League and Ozil could get that Ballon D’or that he yearns for?.
Sridhar