His contract runs out next summer
Mesut Ozil is set to be left out of Arsenal’s Europa League squad, according to reports.
Ozil has been a long-term outcast at the Emirates, and has hardly featured for Mikel Arteta’s side since football resumed post-lockdown.
The 31-year-old hasn’t featured for the Gunners since March, and is widely tipped to leave Arsenal when his contract runs out next summer.
Arsenal are believed to have made attempts to offload the German, but his wages have proved a hefty stumbling block for all interested parties. He is the highest-paid player in Arsenal’s history.
Rumours of Ozil’s exit have quickly gathered pace due to fresh reports suggesting he has been left out of Arsenal’s Europa League squad.
According to reports, Mesut Ozil isn’t the only surprising omission from Arsenal’s Europa League squad. Sokratis Papastathopoulos, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli are also reportedly going to be left out.
Saliba and Martinelli left off the list too – can't be added to B list as they haven't been with the club for two years. The former is looking for a loan whilst for the latter his recovery is on track but that isn't quick enough for group stage games.
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) October 8, 2020
Arsenal signed Gabriel during the summer transfer window as an upgrade on Sokratis, while William Saliba is believed to be heading to a Championship club on loan. Brentford are said to be in the running for the Frenchman’s signature.
Martinelli broke into the Arsenal line up in the Europa League, regularly getting on the scoresheet in the process. Injuries have cast doubt on how much game time he will get this season, however.
Arteta was recently asked why he was no longer picking Ozil in his matchday squad, to which the Spaniard replied:
“The team is evolving, you can see the level they are achieving.
“This is where we are at the moment. We want to evolve more and play better and compete better.
“We need to keep maintaining that. I’m really happy with the performance here, how difficult they’re making things for the coaching staff to select the squad.”
Earlier this week, Mesut Ozil offered to pay the wages of Gunnersaurus, the Arsenal mascot who was being made redundant after 27 years at the club.
