Mesut Ozil representatives set to jet to DC United to discuss Arsenal exit - EXCLUSIVE
MESUT OZIL will have to take a massive pay cut if he wants to rebuild his career in the MLS as Wayne Rooney’s replacement at DC United.
Posted Sunday, August 11, 2019 by Express.co.uk
Mesut Ozil representatives set to jet to DC United to discuss Arsenal exit - EXCLUSIVE (Image: GETTY)
The Arsenal playmaker is currently the second-highest-paid player in the Premier League behind Alexis Sanchez earning £350,000-a-week.
Gunners bosses are keen to get him off the payroll and his representatives are this week due to fly to Washington for talks with DC bosses.
They will try and persuade the Americans to take a punt on Ozil when Rooney takes up a player-coach role at Derby County in January.
But finances could become a major problem and Arsenal could have to fund part of the deal with salaries in the MLS nowhere near like they are in the Premier League.
DC United were happy to get Rooney who is earning a basic £56,000-a-week off the wage bill so waved the right to a transfer fee from The Rams.
Meanwhile, Ozil is earning three times more than the MLS’ highest-paid player LA Galaxy striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic whose base wage is £115,000-a-week.
Unless a compromise is found Ozil could find that another avenue for his departure from the Emirates Stadium is blocked.
Ozil fell out of favour under Unai Emery last season and struggled to make an impression.
Mesut Ozil representatives set to jet to DC United to discuss Arsenal exit - EXCLUSIVE (Image: GETTY)
Mesut Ozil representatives set to jet to DC United to discuss Arsenal exit - EXCLUSIVE (Image: GETTY)
The German also struggled with injury and was questioned for his performances in training by his manager.
Ozil won’t play any role in Arsenal’s game against Newcastle on Sunday either.
After he and Sead Kolasinac were targeted in a carjacking attempt the club have released a statement citing ‘further security incidents’ as the reason neither will be involved in the Premier League opener.
"The welfare of our players and their families is always a top priority,” the club added.
Mesut Ozil representatives set to jet to DC United to discuss Arsenal exit - EXCLUSIVE (Image: GETTY)
Mesut Ozil representatives set to jet to DC United to discuss Arsenal exit - EXCLUSIVE (Image: GETTY)
"We have taken this decision following discussion with the players and their representatives.
"We look forward to welcoming the players back to the squad as soon as possible.”
Arsenal travel to Newcastle in their Premier League opener which kicks off at 2pm.
The Gunners will look to do better than last season, when they finished outside the top four.
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