Going into the 2013 summer transfer deadline, Arsenal had only signed striker Yaya Sanogo and midfielder Mathieu Flamini. The two had arrived at Emirates on a free transfer, and Arsene Wenger was hopeful they would be quality additions to the team.
However, it seemed Wenger wasn’t just done yet. He was determined to bring one of Europe’s top prospects to Emirates.
And on the deadline day, with much fanfare and excitement, Arsenal announced the signing of Mesut Ozil from Real Madrid. The German International, with Turkish origin, was coming to North London on the back of having won La Liga with Real Madrid in 2011-2012.
He had also been named in the UEFA’s team of the tournament at EURO 2012. And so on the 2nd of September 2013, Arsenal signed the German playmaker for 42.4m pounds, breaking the club’s record by 27.4m pounds.
It’s now almost eight years since Mesut arrived in England, and the Germany World Cup winner doesn’t seem settled anymore.
Lucrative Deal
In 2018, with just six months remaining on his contract, the left-footed playmaker signed a lucrative 350, 000 pounds a week, making him the top earner in the Arsenal squad. It’s a decision that would later turn out to be problematic, with Ozil rubbing shoulders the wrong way with previous managers after Wenger.
The appointment of Unai Emery as Arsenal manager brought to fore the brewing discontent among the coaching staff and several players. For several months, Mesut was sidelined, only coming on as a second-half substitute in a countable number of games.
Huge Wage-bill
Ozil has openly admitted that he would love to see out his contract at the North London club. Arsenal is currently facing a financial constraint, and any mitigation measure that would ease their financial burden would be welcome.
The club is already sweating over the renewal of contracts for David Luiz, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and Bukayo Saka. Ozil’s astronomical wages adds to an already dire situation.
The club is working on reducing and cutting some of its budgets, and the German’s huge salary doesn’t just seem to be compatible with the measure being implemented.
Is Ozil Sabotaging the Manager?
Arsenal manager had asked the players to agree on a 12.5% pay cut to ease the financial burden. However, Ozil didn’t agree to the arrangement and has since fallen out with the top management.
Mikel Arteta has nevertheless come out to refute any speculation on his relationship with Ozil, saying they’re in good terms.
‘It has been difficult preparation in the last two months to get players ready. Again, I am the first one who wants Mesut at his best. I will put him on the pitch when I think he can give his best.’ said Arteta. Ozil and Arteta played together under Arsene Wenger and have since maintained the professional relationship. Although Arteta claimed that Ozil was left out of Manchester City’s game for tactical reasons, there are indications that the former Schalke and Werder Bremen player will be sacrificed for a leaner wage bill.
