Mesut Ozil's Arsenal fallout takes new twist as agent weighs in on saga

Posted Saturday, October 24, 2020 by Express.co.uk

Mesut Ozil has been ostracised by Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.

Arsenal sprung a huge surprise when they omitted World Cup winner Mesut Ozil from their Premier League and Europa League squad list for the 2020/21 season meaning the midfielder is unlikely to feature for the club this campaign.

Ozil has rarely played for the Gunners since Arteta took charge of the club but there has been no clarity over why such a decision was made.

Arteta claims he left the 32-year-old out of his plans for footballing reasons - which the player rebuts.

"My conscience is very calm because I have been really fair," said Arteta. "What I can say from my side is that it is just a football decision.

"My level of communication with him has been really high and we know what to expect with each other.

"My job is to get the best out of every player, to contribute to the team performance. Here I feel at the moment, today, that I have failed."

Mesut Ozil's Arsenal fallout takes new twist as agent weighs in on saga
Mesut Ozil's agent has hit back at Mikel Arteta (Image: GETTY)

Ozil released a strong-worded statement in response, insisting he will fight for his place in the team.

There is a feeling among supporters that there may be a more deep-rooted issue between the player and manager.

And Ozil's agent, Dr Erkut Sogut, has hit back at Arteta and called for the issues to be cleared up.

"Arsenal fans deserve an honest explanation," he told ESPN. "Not [Arteta] saying 'I failed Ozil.' You didn't fail Ozil: you failed to be fair, honest and transparent and treat someone with respect who has a contract and was loyal all the time.

Mesut Ozil's Arsenal fallout takes new twist as agent weighs in on saga
Mesut Ozil will not feature in the Premier League or Europa League this season (Image: GETTY)

"They say Mesut is one of their best players, and they cannot understand why he is left out.

"So it can't be the training - if it is not the pitch, what are the footballing reasons? If you talk, you should tell the truth that the Arsenal fans deserve otherwise don't talk at all."