Mesut Ozil has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this January, with Inter Milan reportedly keen on the German playmaker.
The 30-year-old has struggled to hold down a regular place in Unai Emery’s side this season and has not featured in the club’s last five fixtures.
Ozil’s last game came on November 11th in the 1-1 draw against Wolves at the Emirates and was an unused sub in the following game against Bournemouth as Emery questioned his physicality and work-rate.
His omission from the side has led many to believe that his time at Arsenal could be coming to an end under Emery. It appears the Gunners’ patience is wearing thin with the former Real Madrid star and are now considering selling him on a cut-price deal in January to free up a huge chunk of wages off the books.
Ozil’s exclusion from the starting line-up has been justified by Emery as of late with the Gunners winning four of their last five matches.
The German midfielder does offer a lot in the creativity department and Arsenal do look more dangerous when going forward as a result. However, when he isn’t in the side, the team look a lot more structured and organised and can get the job done still.
So, should Arsenal consider selling the German in January?
It’s a tough one to call. If you look at the stats, Ozil has been impressive for the Gunners since his arrival Real Madrid in September 2013. He’s made 204 appearances, scored 40 goals and assisted 65 times in all competitions – that’s just over one goal every five games and an assist, roughly, every three.
Ozil can be a game changer when he’s in the mood and an influential player for the Gunners. However, he does seem to lack the physicality and work-rate when it’s needed and, as a result, hinders the team defensively and receives relentless criticism due to his high wages.
Arsenal have proved they can be competitive and bag positive results without Ozil, but we do seem to lack creativity when he doesn’t play – yesterday’s game against Huddersfield is proof of this.
Ozil still has a lot to offer, but I also believe he doesn’t suit Emery’s new system and style of play at the Emirates, which could lead to him being sold at the earliest opportunity.
