Bernd Leno has offered some insight into how Mesut Özil behaves at Arsenal, amid a time where he’s been exiled by Mikel Arteta.
Speaking to Sky Germany, the goalkeeper – who cost £19.3 million – said: ‘Of course, Mesut has exceptional quality, there is no question about that. But the coach selected 25 other players, we have to accept that.
‘He trains quite normally, he behaves professionally, and gets along well with everyone else. Mesut does not bring any negative energy into the group. Everything else is not in his or my hands either.’
It feels unlikely that, even if the former Real Madrid maestro was a nuisance, one of his teammates would shout it from the rooftops.
However, by all accounts, Özil is a good teammate and doesn’t cause problems around London Colney, despite his exclusion from the squad.
Arteta has axed the German playmaker from both his Premier League and Europa League squads.
The Gunners No.10’s contract at the Emirates also expires in June.
As a result, he may spend his final days at Arsenal in the wilderness unless something dramatically changes.
It’s a shame to see the 32-year-old treated this way, as the north Londoners have rarely needed a source of creativity like they do now.
The Premier League’s official website shows that Arsenal rank 14th in terms of ‘big chances created’ – Arteta’s side have created 14 in 13 Premier League outings.
Even Sheffield United, who sit bottom of the Premier League with one point, have created more ‘big chances’ than the Gunners with 15.
Whatever’s going on with Özil, there’s no denying that Arsenal need him right now.
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