‘Focus has changed’: Per Mertesacker explains why Arteta isn’t using Ozil at Arsenal

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Arsenal’s academy boss Per Mertesacker spoke on the Klick & Rush podcast about his compatriot Mesut Ozil’s difficult situation under Mikel Arteta.

The former Real Madrid man is clearly out of favour under Arteta, and it looks like he has played his last game for the Gunners.

Ozil hasn’t played a single minute of football since the lockdown, which is surprising considering that he was a regular under the current Arsenal boss before football came to a standstill.

Rumours have been floating around about his bad attitude in training, which has allegedly forced Arteta to leave him out of the squad. However, Mertesacker has put an end to that by claiming that his fellow German works really hard behind the scenes.

The former Arsenal skipper claimed that the reason behind Ozil’s omission from the squad could be due to a lack of focus as he recently got married and became a father; something that could have played a part in Arteta’s decision to keep him away from matchday squads.

Mertesacker said: “A lot has changed off the field. He got married, has a family. Perhaps the focus has changed. Nevertheless, he is still happy and happy to play football. But when I meet him, he is always in a good mood.

“He works hard and trains with the team. He’s the only player I’ve played with for three teams – Bremen, Arsenal and also at the DFB. So I’m very sorry that he’s currently in a situation where he’s not really used.”

Arsenal want Ozil to leave

Ozil has been left out of Arsenal’s Europa League squad and he is expected to miss out on Arteta’s squad for the Premier League as well. The German is in the final year of his contract, and not using him might just be a ploy to get him out of the door before the season ends.

The Daily Mail claimed earlier this month that the Gunners are planning to negotiate a deal that would terminate Ozil’s contract by the end of this year. The German is unlikely to accept that, which makes the situation a very difficult one for Arsenal.

Arteta seems to be adamant that he will not play him. Ozil will be away from the squad, but he will still earn £350,000-per-week, which seems like a real waste at this point.

Mertesacker’s comments hint that Ozil’s training isn’t the issue behind the club’s decision to keep him away from the squad. If the reason behind his omission is his salary, it is likely that he will never play for Arsenal again, which is a real shame.