Fenerbahce boss breaks silence on Mesut Ozil rumours with Arsenal playmaker set for exit
The former Germany international has played no part this season for the Gunners
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Mesut Ozil’s future remains uncertain, but all parties expect the matter to be resolved in the near future.
The Arsenal attacking midfielder has not featured for the club since last March and was left out of the squad lists entirely for both Premier League and Europa League this season.
Mikel Arteta recently explained that the January priority would be to offload players from the Emirates Stadium club and that appears to include Ozil, whose hefty wages make him an expensive burden.
READ MORE: Premier League fixtures and table - all matches by date and kick-off time
The boss has already suggested that he expects Ozil’s plans to become apparent this transfer window, with the No. 10 out of contract in the summer and teams from MLS and the Turkish Super Lig having been linked.
Now Fenerbahce’s manager Erol Bulut has acknowledged the rumours that his club are on the cusp of landing the playmaker and was far from dismissive about them.
“Mesut Ozil's situation will become clear in the coming days,” he reportedly told Bein Sports.
“Mesut's name is very common. It is not possible for me to make a comment before he comes.”
The Turkish giants are second in the Super Lig, behind Besiktas, and Ozil has long been linked with a move to them - though his estimated salary of £350,000 has, until now, prevented him leaving Arsenal for a new side.
Ozil’s agent stated last week that the priority was to remain with Arsenal, but he also expected an update on his future within 10 days.
The 32-year-old could feasibly sign a pre-contract for an end-of-season free transfer move, though it’s unlikely he’ll play for Arsenal this season which would mean no competitive football for at least 16 months if he doesn’t depart in January.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments