Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno spoke to Bild about his compatriot Mesut Ozil’s behaviour after Mikel Arteta left him out of the Premier League and Europa League squads.
The former Real Madrid man has entered the final year of his contract at the Emirates. Ozil has divided opinion among Arsenal fans since he joined the club in 2013, but he was always one of the first names on the team sheet under Arsene Wenger.
The legendary Frenchman left the club in 2018 and Unai Emery took his place. The Spaniard didn’t fancy Ozil as much as his predecessor, and he received some stick from supporters as a result.
Arteta’s arrival offered a lot of hope to Ozil. The German played every game under the new Arsenal boss until lockdown, but things changed completely after that.
Ozil has not played a single minute of football since Project Restart, and it looks like he won’t get another chance now. Leno was asked about his compatriot’s behaviour behind the scenes, and the goalkeeper has praised the former Real Madrid man’s professionalism.
He said: “Mesut is still a part of the team and trains with us. He is absolutely professional, both on the pitch and in the dressing room. Obviously, it’s a disappointing situation for him, but Mesut handles it well and is absolutely loyal.”
Is there a way back for Ozil?
Ozil is undoubtedly Arsenal’s most creative player. The German has the vision and the ability to unlock defences that most other players in the squad cannot. However, that isn’t enough for him to get into the team; even at a time when the Gunners lack any sort of creativity in the final third.
Both Ozil and his agent have spoken publicly about Arteta’s decision to leave him out of the squad. Neither are happy about it, but they are adamant that the German will not leave the club until the end of his contract.
Arsenal can change their squad in January and Ozil will be hoping to get on Arteta’s good side by then. However, the Gunners boss has made it clear that the German is not in his plans, which means that a January transfer might just be the best thing for all parties involved.
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