With just months remaining on the German’s current contract, Mesut Ozil may be chasing a lucrative new deal, but poor form is what Ozil’s is fighting with right now.
Fitness issues have resulted in lack of appearance this season, with the 28-year-old registering just five Premier League appearances so far this season, totaling 367 minutes on the pitch for the Gunners.
According to the Mirror, the former Real Madrid playmaker wants a new deal worth £350,000-a-week, but a bigger short-time problem is on his hands as it’s claimed that Arsene Wenger’s frustrated over Ozil’s form and that could be a determining factor as to whether or not Arsenal should try and meet his demands.
On one hand, everyone would agree that Arsenal should do all they can to sign Alexis Sanchez to a new contract. Even if Sanchez isn’t scoring or creating, the Chilean international work ethic and influence on the team is always evident and he is a top-class player with a drive to succeed.
While Ozil’s ambition can’t be questioned, if he isn’t having a positive influence on a game from an attacking perspective in terms of dictating the tempo and creating chances for his teammates, his lack of defensive discipline and desire at times lets him down and causes him to become an easy target when things go wrong.
We can’t afford to have that in our team regardless of how talented he is, and as seen in the draw against Chelsea last month with Ozil missing, perhaps the argument that they’re better off without him is getting louder.
Our form in recent weeks would also back that as we were unbeaten in seven games across all competitions with Ozil restricted to a bit-part role. Ozil came in as an half-time sub for Arsenal against Watford losing a great chance.
It’s difficult to suggest that Arsenal are entirely better off without Ozil as he remains a great player. However, unless he rediscovers his best form and becomes the influential figure that the Gunners signed, you’d have to argue that he isn’t worth anywhere near splashing out £350,000-a-week on as he edges closer towards becoming a free agent next summer.
