Mesut Ozil’s agent has confirmed transfer talks with Fenerbache, but says it is likely the frozen-out Arsenal midfielder will finish the season with the north London club.
Ozil, 32, has not kicked a ball for the club since the 1-0 win over West Ham in March, just before the Premier League locked down due to Covid-19.
His absence coincided with his refusal to take a pay cut on his £350,000-a-week salary, which he believed was unfair. The majority of Arsenal’s players and staff agreed to lower their pay in April as part of coronavirus cost-cutting measures.
The club cut salaries by 12.5 per cent, reduced to 7.5 per cent when Arsenal won the FA Cup. What’s more, club executives agreed to cut a third of their pay packets.
However, the Gunners’ top earner Ozil did not take part.
Mikel Arteta did not play Ozil after that and left him out of the squad lists for the Premier League and Europa League this season, meaning he cannot play in either competition.
The German international released a statement criticising the decision to leave him out, and his agent Erkut Sogut says he is committed to the club.
Now Sogut has revealed that talks with Turkish side Fenerbahce have taken place, and offers from around the world have been received. However, he believes Ozil will sit out the remaining months of his contract, which expires in June.
Talks with Fener
“Mesut has another six-month contract with Arsenal. Certainly, he missed football,” he told Fanatik (via Sport Witness)
“He is currently working hard to wear the Arsenal shirt again, and he will continue to work.
“I would like to clearly state our situation regarding Fenerbahçe. Yes, we had meetings with Fenerbahçe. We had a one-on-one conversation with the club’s most authorised people.
“However, we can never have a contact before January for official transfer talks. We received transfer offers for Mesut from all over the world.
“Fenerbahce’s interest is also known. Nothing has changed for Mesut right now. Under these circumstances, it seems that Mesut will complete the season in Arsenal.”
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