Arsenal transfer news: Mesut Ozil’s agent makes strong contract pledge
Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil will see out his contract with the club according to his agent, despite rumours of a summer departure.
The German signed a contract extension last season, which tied him to the Gunners until at least 2021.
Ozil’s future at Arsenal: Five things you need to know…
- Mesut Ozil has made 226 appearances for the Gunners since his move from Real Madrid in 2013.
- He has scored 43 times and helped the club win three FA Cups and a Community Shield.
- With just six months on his previous contract, the 30-year-old signed a new deal last season which saw his wages rise to a reported £350,000.
- This season, Ozil has struggled for game time – partly due to injuries – and has made just 24 Premier League appearances.
- But the player’s agent has stressed that his client will remain with his current employers despite links away from Arsenal this summer.
Speaking to reporters about Ozil’s immediate future, the German’s representative Dr Erkut Sogut insisted the former Real Madrid man will stay with Arsenal until at least 2021.
Stating that Ozil “bleeds Arsenal red”, Sogut urged Gunners fans not to worry about any gossip linking his client away from the Emirates Stadium this summer.
“Rumours will always persist, – there is no doubt about that – but one thing I can guarantee is Mesut’s loyalty,” he told Turkish-Football.com.
“His mind is focused on Arsenal, and Arsenal only. Mesut bleeds Arsenal red, and respecting his contract is a certainty.
“He’ll be staying at Arsenal until at least 2021, and the fans need not to worry about the gossip that may come this summer. He has found a place he feels welcome and believes he has a lot more to give.”
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An unconvincing year from Ozil
This season hasn’t been the best for Ozil who has started his second-lowest (24) amount of Premier League games, struggling to keep his place in the Arsenal starting XI.
In truth, Ozil has struggled for fitness this season, missing a large chunk of Arsenal’s Christmas period. Picking up a back injury in late November, the 30-year-old missed four games before a knee problem shortly after saw him miss a further three matches into the New Year.
However, that isn’t to say that Ozil has performed above and beyond the call of duty this campaign. He has mustered just six shots on target from 11 shots and provided two assists throughout the entire Premier League season.
With the departure of Aaron Ramsey after 11 years, with the Welshman heading to Italy to play for Serie A champions Juventus, Arsenal’s need for Ozil has multiplied.
They will be hoping that the German can keep his fitness, return to form and most importantly, earn his money next season.
