All throughout the season it has been suggested that Arsenal officials and Arsene Wenger have attempted to sit down with the two main Gunners players, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez. Alexis has repeatedly made it clear that he’s frustrated with a lack of success and competitiveness at Arsenal and its led to him having to seriously consider where his future lies. For Ozil on the other hand, he’s remained much quieter on the matter, largely because he doesn’t like the attention being on him and the media spotlight in his business.
However in a recent interview, the German has once again had to speak of his intentions to hold talks with the club at the end of the season, after reports emerged suggesting that Arsenal were pushing for decisions with the season soon coming to an end.
Ozil stated in a Sky Sports report: “As I’ve said in the past, the most important thing is Arsenal and what we do as a team now. I’ve got aims with this club, we all want the top four and that’s what counts at the moment. As I’ve said before, in the summer we will talk but right now Arsenal stands in front of any player and I respect that.”
Ozil had previously been considered the more likely to stay out of the two, especially with comments suggesting he is happy in London. A recent comment Ozil made said: “As I’ve always said in the past, I feel comfortable here. I’m happy. Arsenal belong as one of the best clubs in the world and London is a great place to be, a great city to live in.”
However after news that the German international reportedly swore at the club Doctor and kicked out at the door after defeat at Spurs away, suggested that perhaps there is a lot more frustration and anger behind the relatively quiet German figure. It takes statements like the above, from Ozil, that settle the crowd and I think the fans and media would still accept that if we are likely to lose one player, then it’s probably going to be Sanchez over Ozil. That’s despite the majority of fans probably preferring the German to hit the road rather than our South American superstar.
Ozil and Alexis are likely to be pressed for talks at the start of the summer, soon after the season has ended. It’s understood the German isn’t happy with the wage he is being offered and wants to be bumped up to a higher pay scale much like his top international teammates. Alexis also has money on his mind, but his main desire is to see changes that will bring success to Arsenal, something which I think the current mind of the club will struggle to convince him of….
Does it look like he really wants to stay if we don’t make the Champions League next season?
By AH