Agent: Ozil has No desire to leave Arsenal

As recently as a year ago, it looked like a sure thing that playmaker Mesut Ozil would be leaving North London. Ozil’s form was shaky under soon-to-be-departed manager Arsene Wenger, and the German international didn’t have his place guaranteed in the Arsenal side moving forward.

Ozil has been in-and-out of the team’s starting XI under new manager Unai Emery, but the player’s agent insists that Ozil has no desire to leave the club any time soon. Last year, Ozil signed a new contract with the Gunners that will keep him at the Emirates through the 2021 campaign.

Arsenal have been up-and-down as a team this season, and you don’t have to learn how online betting works to know that their odds of finishing in the top-4 of the Premier League this season are fading. The Gunners’ recent 5-1 drubbing at the hands of league-leading Liverpool went a long way toward showing just how far Arsenal are from legitimate title contention.

Still, in spite of it all, Ozil is reportedly committed to staying at Arsenal and helping to turn things around and get the side back on track.

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 26: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal FC at American Express Community Stadium on December 26, 2018 in Brighton, United Kingdom. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

In a recent interview with Goal, Ozil’s agent, Dr. ErkutSogut, said, “I would prefer not to speak publicly about Mesut’s situation but, given the recent speculation linking him with a move away from Arsenal, I do feel it is important to provide some clarity, so we can end this and focus on football. Mesut signed a new contract last January, because he saw his future at Arsenal, and nothing has changed in his mind. He wants to stay for the duration of that contract and maybe even longer.”

Emery has left Ozil out of the side at times recently due to “tactical” reasons, but the manager has insisted that the player is still a crucial cog in the side’s immediate and long-term plans. Ozil did return to the lineup to captain Arsenal against Burnley a couple of days before Christmas.

However, there have been reports regarding the potential interest in Ozil from clubs like Real Madrid and Inter Milan.

Sogut added, “Mesut is 100 percent committed to Arsenal Football Club. He loves the club, shares its values and does not want to be anywhere else. He is proud to wear the shirt and honored to represent Arsenal on and off the pitch. He takes his responsibilities – including being selected as one of the captains this season – very seriously and he has a great relationship with his teammates, the staff and fans.”

Ozil has helped Arsenal to 3 wins in the FA Cup, though a Premier League title has eluded him in his years at the club. Under Wenger, Ozil accounted for 37 goals and 66 assists. Ozil’s fit in Emery’s system is less clear than it was during Wenger’s tenure, but the agent insisted that the player is not only committed to Arsenal due to his hefty salary.

Sogut said, “People might say I only have Mesut’s best interests at heart, but this is not true. I also represented Arsenal in his contract renewal and other deals, too. This information is publicly available, and I am acutely aware of my professional duty on this front. I do want the best for my client, of course, but I want the best for Arsenal, as well. Mesut has faced criticism and obstacles throughout his career, but he has always responded and behaved in a positive and dignified manner.”

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Burnley FC at Emirates Stadium on December 22, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Despite the fact that he has not always been included in the side, Ozil’s 22 scoring chances created in Premier League play still leads Arsenal. Sogut concluded by saying, “Mesut joined Arsenal in 2013 and has therefore been a part of the club for longer than most of the current playing squad and even many members of the staff. Over those 5-and-a-half years, he has shown total commitment and professionalism. He has not spent long periods injured and maintained a high level of performance, as the statistics show. Despite what some may say, he understands the fabric and expectations of the club better than most.”

Ozil, who earns £350,000 per week, is the highest paid player at Arsenal.