Thursday, March 28, 2024

Report: Arsenal could loan Mesut Ozil in January

According to a report in The Times, Arsenal would be willing to send Mesut Ozil out on loan in January as doubts grow over the future of the 30 year old.

The German was left out of the squad completely for the 2-0 defeat to Sp*rs in the Carabao Cup, with Unai Emery insisting that the decision was purely tactical.

However, it’s not an explanation which makes a great deal of sense, and report cites training ground clashes between the player and manager over his work rate and suitability for the system the Spaniard wants to implement.

It also states that the club are open to selling him but with a £350,000 per week salary, the options for that would be limited, thus a loan move with Arsenal subsidising some of his wages.

When asked if Ozil had a future at the club after the Sp*rs game, Emery skirted around the subject, saying, “I am thinking about the match on Saturday, and not thinking about another situation.”

It’s clear a very unhealthy situation has developed, and decisive action one way or the other, is important for this club.

The transfer window opens in under two weeks and we’ll find out soon enough what’s going to happen, and Ozil’s involvement or otherwise certainly will be informative.

For more on this, make sure to check out tomorrow’s Arsecast, James and I discuss the Ozil situation in some detail. Subscribe on iTunes or your favourite podcasting app.

Related articles

Comments

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

174 Comments
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
BigArse

Feck. You’d think the player and coach could come to an accommodation and Mesut could have role to play. He’s got so much talent. Sounds like egos are getting in the way here somehow. Work it out FFS.

The Limp Bar

Nothing to do with egos. Ozil has not played well all season bar one game, he doesn’t seem to fit the system and, quite frankly, if the coach is thinking that he doesn’t try hard enough, doesn’t get involved evough, doesn’t put his body on the line (even in the slightest way) then unfortunately I have to agree with him.

Sean

Right, because the system with Micki and Iwobi playing off the striker is clearly setting the world alight. Wouldn’t want to tinker with that system would we.

Faisal Narrage

FFS, I knew this would happen. What’s funny about this place is after the Saints loss, people were here and full of hindsight, saying Emery simply has to find a way to play both Ramsey and Ozil into the squad as they had so much talent. He plays Ramsey and though he did as much as he could and it wasn’t his fault we lost, the narrative quickly changed to “if only Ozil played”. It seems that the narrative only grows strong when the player is away, sort of like how Jack and Diaby were the Vieira and Dennis mk2… Read more »

Mpls

Leave Diaby out of it! The few matches he was up to fitness he showed his quality! He was never Vieira, he was Diaby.

We’ve never had a proper team to get the best out of Ozil. Too many other weak areas.

Ramsey and Ozil are oil and water. Can’t be on the same pitch. Soon we’ll have neither.

Rich

In Ozil’s first season when Rambo was with Arteta at the base of our midfield, they played very well together.
This is a transition period, I think in the end everyone was unanimous that we needed change, change is going to take time, we need to back Emery.

Faisal Narrage

I LOVED Diaby (and Hleb, I don’t care). He genuinely could’ve been there.
My point is how the same people who would attack Diaby in games because he wasn’t what they wanted were the same people who would claim he was the answer during his lay offs (see Jack as a better example).

Davey

In games where we are against deep, hard to unlock defences, we 100% should be playing Ozil.

Faisal Narrage

I agree.
But against Saints, they sat deep and needed unlocking so Emery sent Ozil on. What did he do? Other than seemingly wonder away from the ball in a strange performance and then kinda didn’t bother to do anything defensively for their last goal.

Mekus

That last part of your rejoinder was obvious to all but Ozil’s diehard fans in that match. Instead of trying to help win that match while at 2-2, he actually cost us that match by failing to track the guy he lost the ball to, thereby giving him ample opportunity to make the right decision that led to the last goal. Very unfortunate and disappointing for someone that have just come in but worst for someone on his kind of pay wage. Though I’m a fan of Ozil and actually like him, but I found that very disgusting that very… Read more »

Mpls

https://streamja.com/qE6G

Watch the replay again. He was the last one still chasing after Torreira’s tackle missed of the Three players in the vicinity of losing the ball.

From there Long was wandering free, as was Austin.

Pointing out problems is all fair, but let’s not start making them up.

Mekus

Chasing or escorting..?

Gudang Pelor

Watch the clip, he did try to catch up with Long, apparently to no avail, cause Ozil was too far forward of Long’s position. But he did continued to chase back.

Gudang Pelor

Wow, thanks highlighting this, from all the conversation, I was under the impression that Ozil really didn’t even try to get the ball back. The clip shows he did. He even tried to sprint back when he saw Terreira missed the tackle. He was even in our penalty area when Austin scored, indicating he continued tracking back.

A P

So it seems like Mekus is a liar.

A Different George

I did not see the match, but I have repeatedly watched replays of this goal. Ozil lost the ball where attacking players regularly are dispossessed or make a wayward pass, literally 200 times in every match. Every goal in history has begun from someone losing possession, someplace (unless it is direct from a kickoff).

I know it offends supporters who want players to “show” effort even if it is in fact counterproductive but, in general, forwards who lose the ball near the opponent’s penalty area should NOT track back into their own half. That’s why you have structure, or should.

Gudang Pelor

Agreed, this started in the heart of Soton’s half, Ozil’s not the only one caught flat footed by he turnover. Torreira, missed the tackle, and the other defesive players were out of position also. Even Leno’s decision to come out to parry the ball were unsuccessful.

soga adewale

He did just what Emery instructed him to do. Emery is not allowing Ozil play, he thrives on freedom, Emery is too rigid. Ozil remains extremely talented, why does Emery always have problems with big players, Neyman. He needs to adjust

DB’s first touch

The problem is not just accommodating Özil in the system, it’s the fact that the system doesn’t fit most of our star players and emery hasn’t found a way to get the best out either Özil or Ramsay. To a lesser extent, he also hasn’t found a way to get the best out Lacazette and Aubameyang simultaneously. They are both having good seasons so far but it is a rare game when both are heavily involved and firing on all cylinders. A club like Arsenal that doesn’t have limitless resources like a PSG or City can’t afford to be wasting… Read more »

DB’s first touch

Meant to add that the system suited neither of Özil or Ramsay, despite the fact that they are two very different types of attacking midfielders, which seems all the more problematic

Bob

Who says that is emery’s ideal scenario? He was fielding Lacazette and Aubameyang together before welbeck got injured. There isn’t much creativity in the squad and it’s still very much Wenger’s squad. Maybe let the guy actually put a team together before you compare what works and doesn’t?

N10

Everyone copy and paste this in bold CAPS 72 pt. font: “Maybe let the guy actually put a team together before you compare what works and doesn’t” The guy has a vision that is totally incompatible with a few of our players. This was not unexpected. He doesn’t suffer prima donnas gladly. Emery had no time for Neymar’s fuckshit. Also, he’s said clearly: “I am about a system, not individual players”. That is about a 180 from Wenger on this topic as you could get. Emery still loves multi-layered attacking football solid passing and “the beautiful game”, just like Wenger.… Read more »

Cyprus The Immortal Gooner

Maybe not BUT they are working harder than Ozil AND they are not carrying a 350K per week contract that could pay for 2 or 3 players that could suit Emery’s plan. If Emery says he’s not fitting I’m with him…

Cultured determination

I’d put ozil in place of either of them. Probably get a half back to sit in front of the defence to add that solidity. Auba ozil laca up front all day

Faisal Narrage

Stick to FIFA and FM.

Billy MacInnes

It’s worth pointing out that for all the talk about the new system and how well Arsenal are doing this year, they are only 4 points better off after 17 games than they were in Wenger’s worst season last year

Ayush Jain

Certainly there are games where Ozil should be and would be left out.
But I dont think our defense is helping Ozil for the amount of goals they are conceding. It could be another Pogba-Mourinho situation and the most who would be affected would be the club which could hamper our second half of the season. This should be resolve soon whoever fault it is as we cant say who is the cause for this issue. Its creating a toxic environment for the rest of the players too.

Bob

Emery and Ozil don’t seem like remotely similar personalities to mourinho and Pogba though, to be fair

locksley444

We’ve got a player that’s immensely talented but is physically and mentally not up for the demands of the premier league. I’m with Unai on this one. Ask yourself if anything in emery’s behavior at arsenal or previous clubs points to such issues. Mesut has had MOTM performances maybe a handful times vs the big teams in his 4-5years at arsenal, and has mostly been defensive liability. For the current pressing style employed by most modern managers, his presence means that the opposition gets to build play from the back with little pressure.

Thierry Walcott

One just joined the league a few months ago and apparently knows all the demands of the league and therefore you’re with him on this one. One has been in the Premier League for years, racked up the best stats while playing in the Premier League yet he’s somehow “physically and mentally” not up for the demands of the premier league”. Continue talking up your ass, will you?

Faisal Narrage

One has resided to win 6 trophies (3 domestic, 3 European) titles in the last 4 years and has been brought here to mould our future, whilst the other has been going missing for almost all major games, doesn’t like travelling to away games, was indulged by the previous manage (Ramsey stated Ozil would get extra days off and not play in games he didn’t want to) and has resided in not living to his potential as our team has deteriorated in the league as Spurs surpassed us. He’s also 30 and isn’t our future. I know who I’m putting… Read more »

ben

source for Ramsey’s comments please?

Faisal Narrage

Check the latest arseblog.

Vonnie

It was a petulant and not at all tongue in cheek answer in one of those stupid player interviews, who’s late for training etc., when sensible players are diplomatic and jealous players stir shit.

locksley444

The demands on the premier league don’t need ‘in-league’ managerial experience buddy. Everyone knows how the premier league is. ‘Racked up the stats’, sure. You didn’t seem to contest my claim that he’s only put in a handful good performances vs the big teams. If stats are your only parameter, Theo Walcott is a solid player but we know how frustrating it is to watch him for 90 minutes. If in their prime, the Barcelona midfield greats like Xavi and Iniesta were helping press and win the ball high up the pitch and not shy away from their defensive duties… Read more »

SharpasFc

The more this situation descends into player v manager the more the team and club will suffer. Most people have no real idea what is going on but it doesn’t stop them from speculating and adding fuel to the fire.

DB’s first touch

Emery wasn’t particularly great managing big personalities at PSG, and first clashed with Neymar before giving in to him, which still didn’t work out in his favour in the end…It’s possible he is digging in his heels this time around and showing everyone that he is the boss. Only time will tell whether that is the right call if it means losing one of the few creative passers in the squad

Petit's Handbag

We’ve defended Mesut against this type of commentary for 5 years because we know how great of a player he was and still is. We’ve a world class player here, along with Aubyemang and Lacazette. We need to fit them in and work the team around them. Which seems like something we can do with Torreira and Xhaka behind them flanked by two wing backs and three competent centre halves. It’s the Arsenal team we all want to see really.

A Different George

I want to see Ozil in a side with Torreira behind him–something that has barely happened.

Matt P

He’s clearly developed quite an arrogance. You could see that with the German team. Offload him. We need a team of dedicated individuals, not prima donnas.

OnAnyBlock

Calling out discrimination and being hung out to dry by former colleagues is not an “arrogance”.

I want him to leave the club as I feel his presence causes more harm than good but please don’t conflate that with your terrible rhetoric.

A Different George

This is one of the most disturbing posts I have seen. I have a much higher opinion of Ozil than OnAnyBlock, but I hope you take notice of what he has posted.

BigStick

I’m conflicted, but yeah, you’re right. If Ozil won’t get stuck-in in the slightest, then he just becomes a training cone in matches that our opponents easily bypass on the way to our box. On the other hand, you’d also expect Emery to at least try and set up the team in a manner that helps Ozil excel and lessens his defensive frailties. Gazidis should have never given him such a huge contract, apparently Wenger was against giving Ozil all that money.

Gooner Sam

Exactly, it’s not as if this is the first time we have talked about why Ozil is so inconsistent, he has been his whole Arsenal career. Can we afford to have a player like him in the side, not knowing if he we will be special or dudd. He is an extravagance that we can’t afford as far as I can see.

afan

ozil has had enough chances, but he wont change his ways, so its time for him to go

A Different George

We know things are bad when a post by a genuine troll gets so many up votes.

Bob

I don’t think emery is much of an ego, not in that way anyway. He’s mr pragmatism, for starters. Honestly, there isn’t a manager in the top 6 who would accommodate a player like Ozil. We all knew there’d be casualties from the change in management, it’s just the way it is.

Absolut

This is a sad state to be in. Mesut is a fantastic player and we are short for attacking creativity currently. I hope this situation doesn’t escalate and can be solved urgently for the betterment of the club.

Rich

We’re the leagues second highet goal scorers, but never let the truth get in the way of a good story

Davey

This ^^

afan

I think you are living in the past abs, maybe ozil WAS a good player, but for arsenal he has been shite, the best thing for arsenal is to let him go in January, and move on

Hunter

What a mess. All goes back to allowing his contract to wind down. Once it had you either had to let him walk for nothing like Alexis or pay him this ransom of a wage. At the time the prospect of letting them both leave for nothing seemed ludacris (to me at least) but now seems like the most sensible move. Easy to say in hindsight I know but this is not a healthy situation. A new manager with fresh ideas and hopefully emerging team in the middle of a season they desperately need to finish top 4 in. It’s… Read more »

Yiussef

Alexis didn’t walk for nothing, we got £30M valued Mikhi in return

Mesut O'Neill

Fuck me, if Mkhitaryan is worth £30m then Gervinho would be worth £50m!!

Bob

I am so glad Gazidis left…

myrtle

Messut.

Lula

Yep. This is Emery inheriting a bit of a mess from the seasons before. The bottom line for me is this: I am an Arsenal fan, not an Ozil fan. If the player will not play but is happy to take money from the club, then he is a sunk investment. And though difficult, we would have to offload him. I think toxic is the right word to use. If we want this club to develop a positive, winning mentality, then yes having your best players play is preferable. But if one of them is toxic to this mindset and… Read more »

Matt P

I am the same. Arsenal through and through, not Ozil through and through. He’s sucking the club dry, with very little in return.

BigStick

Yup, that’s it really. Are we Arsenal fans or Mesut Ozil fans? I choose Arsenal, and I love Mesut Ozil, I’ve been following him for the past decade, but this situation is already growing toxic and causing divisions.

Dave Cee

Actually i thought it was easy to say at the time. Both him and Alexis should have been told to fuck off the previous summer and the money used sensibly. It was easy to see that wage would cause problems with other players when it came to renewing contracts. And frankly he done fuck all to earn it. Like Walcott before him he took advantage of a weak board and manager. Really happy to see Emery has got him figured out and wants rid. Who the hell would take him though?

Hairy Bottle

With that amoun of talent, Emery has to find a way to make it work. At least give it a season to both parties. To sell or even worst loan him mid season is really poor management especially when you know buyers are really really very limited. Disappointing.

Bob

I just don’t get this argument at all. He wouldn’t play in any of the other top 6 sides, managers like Simeone wouldn’t even consider Ozil in their squads. I just don’t see why he should be obligated to play Ozil if Ozil isn’t doing what he’s being asked

Hairy Bottle

Nobody say anything about obligation. All you want is give it time. A season at least to work out the difference. End of the day if it still doesnt fit then fine lets move on. If its true, a mid season loan for one of your leader and worlds best number ten? Speechless.

Bob

But why? Emery was vocal about supporting him and arsenal being his “family”, he made him one of his captains, he has played him in the side. If Ozil isn’t up to his standard or putting in the required effort then what is there for emery to budge on really? He’s got a whole squad to manage and if he allows Ozil the sort of treatment he was used to under Wenger we could see the standards slip across the squad. How do reckon the other players at the club viewed Ozils extended holidays and solo winter breaks during the… Read more »

Matt P

Emery gave him plenty of moral, public support. And Ozil hasn’t delivered on that.

OnAnyBlock

Very well said! Talent without application is absolutely useless.

The managers job is to try and cajole performances from a footballer but there is also an element of personal responsibility. Unfortunately, it isn’t working with Mesut and we have to move on

Faisal Narrage

Why does Emery have to find a way? What makes you feel he hasn’t? I think he has. But what if Ozil isn’t interested in doing what Emery feels is required to change the club’s culture (still stooped in Wengerisms, of which Ozil is possibly the chief personification of the Wenger brand of football)?

Henrypiresberg

Glad to see how you put Wenger against Emery. If your memory is short term just remember Wenger put us through for a 49 games unbeaten streak and here people are getting Orgasms at 22 that too at a smash and grab performance.
You don’t need to put our legendary manager down to pull up Emery. Let him even achieve 20 percent of what Wenger had and I will be extremely happy.

Bob

Come on man. Wenger of 2018 was a different manager to in 03/04… nobody is putting Wenger down but if Wenger was still the force he was in the past he would still be our manager right now. It doesn’t put down Wenger to acknowledge he had flaws as a manager and the comparison is hardly unfair when emery is the man who has succeeded him and is managing what is largely Wenger’s squad and with issues that Wenger contributed to. That doesn’t put him down, it’s just true. Wenger was our greatest ever manager but he wasn’t infallible.

Dave Cee

Wenger and Gazidis are entirely responsible for this shambles of a squad and contract situations. Mismanagement pure and simple. No balls whatsoever!

Faisal Narrage

Oh shut up.
It is possible to love and praise Wenger whilst acknowledging his short comings in recent years and how many of our problems are due to that.

Just because I don’t do Wenger cultism doesn’t mean I don’t still love the man. But it is undeniable our current culture is still based on Wenger, which makes sense as he was there for 22 years. Do you expect 1 man to change a 2 decade culture in 6 months?

Calm down and be reasonable, not a baby.

SharpasFc

We will never forget the 49 but it was a long time ago. Emery is trying to create a new history here and needs support. Fans of purely Ozil rather than Arsenal can go and support him wherever he plays next. I personally think people have underestimated what Wenger achieved with these players… but Emery is new to the League and needs a chance to build the team he wants… he’s getting sacked if it doesn’t work… not us

Hairy Bottle

Because he’s paid to make such decisions. I’m with him on playing the style he wants but for Ozil…..a type of player you don’t really get to see very often….please give it a bit more time. Its not as if you’d replacements and he is really good at what he’s doing. Please give it one more chance……

Lula

I think it is disappointing too. But ‘has to find a way to make it work’ may be one bridge too far. I presume Ozil’s agent will immediately want to place this all on the club and, better yet, the manager, to protect his asset. But he is not value for money and things were not all peachy under Wenger either with him. It might be that it is worth showing now that there is no player bigger than the club and that if there is a situation where there is intransigence and psychological games with the player that you… Read more »

Faisal Narrage

The funny thing about the “has to find a way to make it work” argument was used for Sanchez, that we simply HAD to find a way to make it work, keep him, and not even sell him.

This place was up in arms when we swapped him last Jan. Now they’re the same who dance at all the Sanchez news.

Leftie

You know what, my friends – I’m about to side with Unai on this one. I’ll be the first to admit that Mesut is an incredible player who gave me hours of pure joy while I watched him play in our shirt. But I’m starting to think that he is a luxury player Arsenal can not afford in football terms any more. Especially whe he is moving into the wrong side of 30s. It is a true sign of identity change at Arsenal. Mad conductor Emery seems to be wanting an orchestra performing like clockwork and I guess Mesut Ozil… Read more »

SayUncle

My thinking is, if they can get rid of Mesut, and get rid of that bill, then maybe they’d make Ramsey a decent offer and keep him on. It seems like Emery likes Ramsey, but the wage bill was becoming too bloated so he had no option. But if Mesut goes, maybe they can “orchestrate” something 😉

Lula

If something is wrong and that’s the way Emery sees it and we can move a toxic asset (nothing personal but you’d have to look at Ozil like this from an appraisal point of view – are we getting value for money? is he gonna give us more value for money later on as things stand?) off our books so fast, then I’d be very interested in sitting down with Ramsey again to work something out that is reasonable. For his injuries though, it would be mad to put him on Ozil’s wages.

Viv

Ramey upto age 30 has not achieved anything for Arsenal….Anyway he is a nobody outside Britain….You cannot say that about Mesut. Mesut atleast contributed to Arsenal achieving top 4 place….Anyway If Emery does not want Ozil it is a problem for Arsenal Club….Ozil will get a free transfer to some good club….Ozil cannot be replaced by Ramsey…If anybody think like that he is stupid…To replace Ozil Arsenal need to spend huge….I dont think Arsenal is in such a good financial state…Also the youth system has failed….so any youngster replacing Ozil is not going to happen soon….Also Iwobi and Makhitaryan has… Read more »

Rosa

If only this would happen. Ramsey’s heart is at Arsenal, he’s a big game player and has been so professional and committed since the contract debacle. And if it’s true that the wages he’s asking for are no more than Miki is getting I just don’t see the problem.

Davey

This ‘wrong side of 30’ stuff really is bollocks. With modern training methods players can compete at the very top level until at least 33. If not older.

bsinGooner

True. As much as I hate him for being a prima donna, just look at CR7. Still absolutely top class.

Boolaboola20

Ozil was named one of the captains at the beginning of the season, supposedly due to his leadership in the dressing room. Even if there’s an injury or something, you don’t loan out a captain unless something is really wrong

Faisal Narrage

Ergo something must be really wrong then.

Matt P

Well, I think he was made one of the captains simply because Emery wanted to bolster his confidence post – world cup. Ozil has not returned the favour

afan

oh wow, what a great Christmas present that would be

Ponsonby gooner

What a mess.

Faisal Narrage

I also suggest people watch the Sunderland ’til I Die show on Netflix. One episode has the new manager Coleman come in, and in the Jan window he simply had to sell their best player and top goal scorer. To the outside world it looked like Coleman was being stubborn even, not willing to accommodate the team’s most talented player (sounds familiar?). We get to see the behind the scenes, and both Coleman points out that you see behaviours not just on pitch but in training, behaviours that indicate the player may not be fully on the cause for the… Read more »

Deano

It clearly worked too. They went down.

Faisal Narrage

Because the board didn’t back him with new signings.

Mekus

If the scenario you painted is actually the case, then he shouldn’t have signed that new contract last time (unless he’s a self-centered prick, which I doubt).

Alan

I don’t think Emery is right to send Ozil out of this team, which of the players can create more chances than Him in this team? This is what you did before sending Matuidi out and keeping Rabiot.

Irrational Gunner

IF this story is true, then the club and player have crossed the Rubicon. I’m afraid that we wouldn’t ever see Ozil play for Arsenal again. The club doesn’t want him around. What a pity. I assumed that Ramsey wasn’t signed because of shared responsibility with Ozil. Now I think it is all about administrative power and cost saving. Only hope this will be a short term pain for a long term gain, and not a f-up.

Santori

Will see if there is fire to the smoke this weekend. Frankly we have 3 players who play a similar role in the team – Ozil, Mhkitaryan and Ramsey. One of them should go. 1)Mhki I believe we did not need to sign last January but Mslintat and company panicked with BOTH Ozil and Alexis contracts on table. We then did not buy what we neeeded and could have got (a wantaway Mahrez before City came in and over inflated price late in window) and instead lay ourselves prey to United and Raiolla as the only option when we turned… Read more »

BigStick

Ramsey we should keep, the other two, probably not. Ramsey fights and plays hard for the Arsenal (so does Mkhi, to be fair), the only concern I have with Ramsey is his injury record Those soft tissue injuries always seem to hit him right around late December, so if we sign him again, it shouldn’t be for huge money, but you can’t doubt his love for the club. Mesut Ozil, at his best, is an amazingly world class player, unfortunately that player rarely shows up for Arsenal nowadays. He’s also at odds with the new manager, when we need everyone… Read more »

Henrypiresberg

This is not acceptable. Mesut is our best player.. Iwobi and Miki are not anyways setting the stage on fire. If he wants to fill his team with headless chickens who burst thier lungs out running off the ball. He is welcome to do so. Let’s get ready for Sunderlandesque or Stokeesque football culture. I love the flair Arsenal had..In Netflix’s Manchester City’s Pep says that if there is one team out there who can turn 3-0 deficit it’s got to be Arsenal because the way they attack. That’s who we are. But now I think we are going to… Read more »

Faisal Narrage

Is that the same Pep that beat us back to back by utilising and taking advantage of our “attack attack attack” ideals without any defence?

And as much as a legend as he is, Wenger did leave us with Mustafi, an undercoached Bellerin, and aging Cech, and aging Monreal, an imbalanced midfield, etc.

Maybe you don’t like the idea of being a high-energy, high-pressing team but it’s done wonders for City, Liverpool and Sp*rs.

A Different George

No, it’s the same Pep who has David Silva and Bernardo in his squad if De Bruyne is injured; the same one who needed attacking fullbacks and so bought three (Walker, Mendy, Danilo) at whatever price was asked; who added Mahrez because Sterling and Sane might not be enough. That Pep.

catbiscuits

Will be sad if this happens. I fell in love with Arsenal because of the way that aesthetics trumped functionalism, and Ozil in many ways embodies this. Obviously we needed a changing of the guard, but this just seems a step too far.

I don’t find it convincing when people say Simeone etc. wouldn’t consider such a player. He was a favourite of Mourinho ffs.

Dave Cee

Mourinho called him a coward…and he was completely correct. Wimpiest player i have ever seen. Get him packed off to China

A Different George

I wish I were a real man, like you.

Matt P

But our aesthetics in the glory days were also matched with work rate and grit…

Faisal Narrage

Selective fan memories.

Our best teams were aesthetic but could (and did) out work other teams. We were faster, stronger, more energy and workrate, and also pragmatic when needed to (see the FA Cup final against United).

The post-invincible team were arguably more aesthetic, but let’s not forget they won nothing major. We were regularly battered by the likes of Jose, Allardyce and Pulis, with more frequency over the years. the 6-0 Chelsea drubbings, the 8-2 batterings, the loss to United’s u21s, etc.

BigStick

Courage and pluck, courage and pluck.

Santori

A loan would be weird considering our propensity for racking up injuries.

At Cback, we loaned Chambers who barely features for Fulham and could have been useful to us (ironically he may have had more feature with us)

We also loaned Nelson which is good for his development but not great for us since he would have provided good option at right wing.

Faisal Narrage

Barely features? He’s started 13 games for them this season so far.

Fatgooner

The frustrating thing is that Arsenal will lose either way. Ozil’s massive salary will not be matched by any club that is willing to take him on loan, I’m certain of that. It wouldn’t surprise my if we end up paying him the bulk of his outrageous wages every week. So we’ll be effectively paying a player to play for another side. Let’s hope it’s not in the Premier League. I totally back Emery in his stance with Ozil. The German is a relic of the Wenger years: a pampered prima donna who turned up only when he wanted and… Read more »

Dave Cee

For once, I completely agree with you Fatz

Deano

I’ll back the new manager too fats but let’s be clear he’s had his fair share of superstar slackers as you call them at PSG and had no problems with them until Neymar turned up and effectively pushed Emery out.

Let’s hope our new manager making a new stance because his persona may have changed off the back of that. Time will tell I suppose………

Faisal Narrage

He had no problems with them because they didn’t slack.
Neymar is the quintessential defensive slacker who loves to get indulged.

Deano

Di Maria and Draxler to name a quick two…

Niran

Emery definitely learnt 4rm his time with PSG managing superstars like Neymar and Cavani…Emery is the kinda manager Arsenal needs, one who isn’t scared to make big changes and wouldn’t pamper any player cause of his superstar status… If u don’t work hard enough and show the intensity needed u get axed damn it !.. Ozil isn’t bigger than Arsenal FFS… If the manager says he isn’t good enough for his system then we should be backing him…one player doesnt make a team no matter how talented he is…i love Ozil just like i loved Sanchez too as a player,… Read more »

Arsenala Vista Baby

I will for sure be thinking on a situation where a super talented star not able to fit in my formation all day long

Hantal

Talents pointless if he won’t put the effort in

Ozenal

Makes it look like letting him go on a free transfer would have been best

Ozenal

Although nobody really showed much interest in him when his contract was winding down. So not much hope of getting rid of him now his wages are sky high.

Ozenal

Mesut has had life in the football comfort zone for too long.

Mistafi

I find this report odd and feel Emery is simply managing the man. Ozil has had his share of problems, is coming back from an injury.

While there might be an issue this might just be a case of Emery stamping his authority with a show of backing and strength. Ozil will show up and become a part of the team again.

Lula

If Ozil is toxic then we need to offload him. I felt at the time that we should have let him go with Alexis. I understand it would have been a major blow to the club and its status but felt that Arsene will have fallen on him sword either way at the end of the season. Now we are stuck with a player who is hit and miss (and miss and miss), and not value for money. As time goes by there are a decreasing number of clubs that would appraise Ozil with the cost of his wage overall.… Read more »

Mpls

If he winds up in Milan on an Arsenal subsidised wage, a certain former CEO better watch his back!

I’m joking of course.

Dave Cee

Just get fuckin rid of him. Get him off the wage bill. That contract was as big a mistake as not selling Alexis. Total disaster. The mismanagement at this club personified

Lord Bendnter

I’ve been drooling for Isco for many years now

Faisal Narrage

You mean the same Isco causing similar problems for an even bigger club?

Youngguns

Loan move to put him in the shop window and/or show him how much Arsenal do for him?

Lord Bendnter

Some people talking about Ozil not living up to his wages. If Ozil is sold by Emery, it won’t be because he somehow doesn’t have the talent; it will be because he doesn’t fit Emery’s high press team system. Please don’t be faulting Ozil. He is a certain type of player and a world class talent in his merit. What irks me most is that all Wenger had to do to make the most of Ozil was buy a world class CDM and let Xhaka play his CM role. That way Ozil could do what he does best. And make… Read more »

Devlin

The most rational observation I have seen and have been trying to put into words. This whole situation is being used to wrongfully paint Ozil as petulant, egotistic, lazy, greedy and just not good. Ozil just doesn’t fit into Emery’s system, just like Pastore before him.

Niran

This is just spot on…wish i could thumb this up a thousand times

Hantal

I mostly agree but attitude and dedication are really important and im not convinced we see that from ozil often enough

Faisal Narrage

Whilst I fully agree, I don’t think we can deny there are some issues of attitude (his cameo against Saints was bizarre). There were reports (from Ramsey no less), of Ozil being a bit pampered by Wenger; getting days off when he wanted and skipping games if he didn’t want to play. From what we’ve seen of Emery, no way would he indulge such behaviour, and I can see Ozil not being happy with that. It’s also not a coincidence that since the Spurs game, Emery kept going on about “changing the culture” of the club. This isn’t just about… Read more »

Vonnie

Ramsey was the biggest Wenger pet of all time and his snidey comments in that interview show that he was jealous as far as I’m concerned. We had to watch three years of Ramsey being shit while better players sat on the bench. Ramsey and Mesut are oil and water.

A Different George

Xhaka and Torreira behind Ozil–give it a run of games and you will see many more performances like Leicester.

Dean Nkwanko

High press or not, a manager has to work with his resources. We have been let down by a very shaky defence. There’s a huge difference between a midfield with Ozil and one with Mikhi or Iwobi during transition. Arsenal look more dangerous going forward with Mesut in the side.
Before such a signing is made, we don’t have anyone better in the team at the moment.

Faisal Narrage

Do we? Outside of Leicester, I didn’t see that argument so far this season.
And no one was saying that when we pressed and harassed Spurs into 4-2 submission the first time this season either.

In fact, outside of Leicester, our best performances of the season have all come largely without Ozil playing or being fully involved.

Cultured determination

I guess a left back might solve this issue because kolasinac is not very good defensively and monreal is getting on in age. Get a solid left back who can defend. Put a half back in frony of the defence which is emery’s tactics in psg, play torreira alongside xhaka. Torreira and new half back + left back would give us a good defensive platform. Xhaka to control the midfield and passing range. Bellerin bomb forward to support attack. Ozil unlock defences and laca + auba to finish.

Mrnkrm

What a brilliant idea to loan out Ozil. I think there’s few clubs who might want him on loan for maybe 150k/wk. Maybe Chelsea, Bayern, Juve, Real. That might just be enough to reinstate our initial offer for Ramsey to stay.

A Different George

If you really believe that Chelsea, Bayern, Juve, and Real would want Ozil–then why in the world would we let him go?

Red-Sky

Not that surprised really.
He’s talented, but if Emery says he doesn’t fit his plans, then he doesn’t fit.

ramgooner

Why is it so hard for some fans to accept a tactical decision? Mesut Ozil isn’t 100% ready yet physically and Carabao cup was the least of our worries this season. So, i think Emery was absolutely right to leave him out of the squad. We just went on a 22 game unbeaten run and it’s sad to see reports like these being circulated. This has only one intention and that is to create a divide amongst the fan base. He just signed a massive contract, quit the German national team and looks to be fully committed to us. The… Read more »

Faisal Narrage

LOL at Mesut isn’t 100% ready yet, but somehow Koscielny, coming back from a ruptured Achilles, was “ready” enough to play 2 games.

And if the Carabao Cup was the least of our concerns, why did Emery play our strongest available players? Guys who have played way too many games such as Auba, Xhaka, Torreira, even Mikhi and Iwobi starting?

Fart Overjars

if this has to happen than so be it. I think it’s a mistake to bench and sideline one of the last genuine number tens around, but maybe the game is moving away from the rarefied style of fancy man artistry. it is inst efficient enough in this mechanical age of statistical analysis where coaches look at the football pitch as green cascading code, like Neo from the Matrix. If this is the case then we better find a new all action replacement who can do everything mesut can do and more. “What you know you can’t explain, but you… Read more »

Devlin

Mesut is actually better statistically than visually. That’s why criticism of him is subjective and praise for him is objective. Looking at his stats, he comes up as a legendary player. When people watch him, his body language, wages and lack of incredible defensive actions (tackles) seems to portray a luxury player. Basically, he is the player that the stats will always back. He is good at making things happen, while being criticized for looking like he isn’t doing anything. The main point here though has nothing to do with the league, Ozil’s work rate or Emery being the head… Read more »

Faisal Narrage

“Basically, he is the player that the stats will always back. ” And yet…. – His chance creation this season is down – Statistically has shown when played out wide, he doesn’t combine with Bellerin, leaving one of our most potent attacking threats not involved in the game. – He statistically has a high dribbling-past rate, which is a massive issue when trying to press from the front (a core of Emery’s philosophy) – He doesn’t score enough goals for the position he plays, regardless of chance creation (which, once again I repeat, is significantly down per 90 this season).… Read more »

ramgooner

For me the problem is not Mesut. I just feel Emery doesn’t have enough cover to play Auba, Mesut and Lacazette at the same time.

Our best attacking line up is Auba on the left, Mesut at 10 Laca at ST and Mkhi on the right with Welbeck, Ramsey and Iwobi as options on the bench.

If we can buy a top winger who can play LW/RW and not upset our defensive balance then we would solve 30% of our overall problems.

The other 70% being a new versatile CB and another solid CM like Torreira.

Devlin

1. Of course his chance creation numbers are down this season, the team doesn’t play to his strengths. This setup is different and the role of the #10 in this setup will never get anything from Ozil that’s close to his best. He is still creating more than all our players this season per 90. If you play De bruyne on the wing, his stats will also drop. 2. Nobody will ever dispute his defensive stats, but he is not a box to box midfielder. He doesn’t have to be great on both sides of the ball. Compare him with… Read more »

Gee

In my opinion Ozil is better than Christian Erickson in every Department and physically stronger, but yet Poch sets up his team to get the best out of him. I think Emery should be able to do similar

A Different George

That is a genuinely relevant comparison.

A Different George

Although I don’t agree that he should go, the points you make are on the mark. Even apart from the Ozil issue, I hope people will look at your third point–I am really tired of everyone saying how Emery’s style is to press. We press occasionally but we are not a pressing team. (By the way, neither is anyone else in England this season, including Liverpool.)

poirobi

Nuts!

Mootilated

Emery is not a manager, he is a Head Coach. If Emery feels like Ozil needs to push more to really find a place in this team, then that is what he will tell his superiors. To be honest, it is not something I disagree with. And this is coming from someone who is Ozil’s biggest fan.

Emery does not make any contract, financial, transfer decisions. He is the Head Coach. People I think forget that. He is not like Wenger was. He is there to just get the team to play well, nothing else.

Hantal

Not exactly. He has an input on the requirements but not the details.
He’s not having player so bought and sold without his knowledge

Mootilated

Of course. What I meant was that it is not entirely his decision what happens to Player X or Player Y. He makes the team selections, tactical decisions and informs his superiors what he needs to help his squad win games.

BigStick

Emery has an equal voice alongside Sven and Raul in regards to player transfers. That means an equal vote, and I’m sure his feelings on what players we should buy are weighed on heavily by the other two.

Billy Bob

Hang on a minute, is his wages not this high because of the tax system here in the UK? In which case he could be on lower wages in another country but take home the same or similar?

Obarilale

It really is a funny thing. Everyone is quick to go on about Ozil’s qualities. How he sets the world alight with his understanding of the game and vision. It’s all dreamy when you think of it like that. But to do anything visionary with the ball, you have to have the ball and to KEEP the ball. Two things Ozil doesn’t help the team do. Guardiola said that when his team has possession, he expects them to play like the best team in the world, and when they lose possession, to chase the ball like a Spanish Segunda team… Read more »

Devlin

Where was Harzard for Chelsea in 15/16? Harzard does not have to show up as many times as Ozil because he has William to do something when he is off form, he had Costa to show up when he didn’t, He had Fabregas show up when he didn’t, He had the league’s best defense for so many seasons to protect leads for him, and Harzard has had Matic, Kante, Ramires, Mikel, Mata, Oscar, Lampard and so many great players alongside him. It is ignorant to compare without context. Ozil can’t turn Coquelin into Matic, Harzard didn’t make Fabregas the player… Read more »

Obarilale

Devlin, I’ll like for you to tell me how Ramires and William and Matic and Costa are world class. Can we say that Costa is a better striker than Lacazette? Hazard had better players around him and still he outshown all of these people to take his team. Ozil is consistently outshown by the likes of Ramsey and Mhiki and Cazorla and the Ox who you would have us believe where pathetic and prevented Ozil from reaching his best. Our worst have proven better than him over time. This is the difference between Hazard and Ozil. You claim Hazard has… Read more »

Billy Bob

I also think that you can play two from Ozil, Laca and Auba but not all three – this COULD be a good thing as one player could be rest in one game from three: Ozil/Laca or Ozil/Auba or Laca/Auba.

Billy Bob

If we were going with rotating between Ozil, Laca and Auba then we could play two winger style players e.g. Iwobi or Nelson on the left, Miki or new player on the right!!! Key signing in January would thus be a right winger and a defender – would be enough to get us 4th place

Jean Ralphio

I’m sure there is a Chinese club that’s willing to pay. It’s fair that everyone should be treated equally in the training ground and if the stories are true then it’s a real shame. I hope they’re not because we have an important 6 months ahead of us.

Wengerballz

Mesut. It really is simple. You play for the team and not the other way around.

Devlin

Mesut has always been a team player. He is actually too much of a team player. He needs to be a bit more selfish and it will benefit the team a lot. His finishing is so good, but he always decides to set up teammates who are not as good at finishing as he is, and then they miss.

Team wise, it’s reaching to look at Mesut as anything other than a team player.

afan

ha, just read this mornings arseblog, I cant believe team arseblog, saying ozil was superb against Leicester, what utter rubbish, he had a good game, but that was it, he should be playing like that week in week out, iwobi was the man of the match that night, by far, I would love to sit down with team arse and go over the match with them, I would teach them what is good, and what is not.

Sad Gooner

If Arsenal sell Ozil then Emery has repeated the mistakes he had made at PSG , Also Arsenal haven’t played that well in any of those “22 unbeaten games” , except those 2 beautiful goals that Ozil and Ramsey have been their creators , i haven’t seen anything from this new system to consider it better if not worse that last years , if you think a player like Iwobi is enough for us to sell Ozil then i’m lost for words. i’m slowly beginning to see Emery is not the man to take us forward and that’s disappointing.

Lack of Perspective

I love ozil. But watching him stroll on from the bench and jog around really made me think seriously about him.

Ash

Despite his high wages, Ozil was able to contribute to Arsenal, esp in home games. But under Emery, he has been consistently average, and now gone.
Problem is that Arsenal don’t look better without him…

karl

The team might well look better with a couple of top quality players using his wages.

Ozil is a player supposedly in his prime years on one of the highest EPL wages and has not exactly been tearing it up in the last couple of years.

Albert48

Has Emery lost the plot? He has inherited two of Europe’s top strikers but somehow can’t find room in his team for Europe’s most creative (assists per game) player over the past seven seasons! Instead he seems to be persisting with the spectacularly underwhelming Iwobi and Mkhitaryan! I am hoping this is press speculation and Özil starts against Burnley and Liverpool because our chances of a top 4 finish will be disappear through the same door Mesut departs through!

LEFT08

This is a sign of bad management from Emery. A good manager gets the best out of all his players. He makes sure of that. It seems to me like Unai doesn’t like the big characters, the difficult ones. And he seems far too happy to play without the flair of world class Ozil. That can’t be a good thing.

Mother

The facts are; Ozil is a great playmaker when the sun’s shining and the team’s playing well – but his leadership, consistency and spirit are limp at best. He’s been here for over 4 years but the Premier League STILL looks to be 10% too much for him.

You can try and stupidly blame this on Emery all you want but we’ve seen before that creating a toxic atmosphere around the manager is unhealthy, so shall we just try and actually back this one…?

Ace Boogie

All this talk about preferred positions for others, how often has Mesut playednin his preferred position for an extended run of games with Xhaka and torreira behind him? I’m not saying we should or should t keep him but someone with his ability make it work until the summer and if he’s still not your cup of team emery, then sell him. We need all hands on deck to reach our objectives this season.

Soga Adewale

On Ozil, Unai is extremely not very wise and Arsenal is paying but suffering because he has choosen to take out of Ozil his failures over Neyman. Humans beings are not same, while I do not support indiscipline, two humans cannot be treated same way because we are not wired same way. There must be some measure of give and take to a player’s talent, the Manager’s way cannot work in rigidity.

Playing Iwobi and Miki ahead of Ozil is only stupid because Ozil’s salary and PR payments are not reduced while Arsenal looses. Unai is a half unwise.

baz00r

You read card good

Tasmanian Jesus

He’s starting today. So we’ll se how he plays, I guess..

Share article

Featured on NewsNow

Support Arseblog

Latest posts

Latest Arsecast

174
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x