Arsenal will see more of midfielder Mesut Ozil in the North London club's future games, this according to team manager Unai Emery, who admitted too that the German had displayed impressive improvements lately. Emery's comments were in a reaction to the player's observation that he lacked playing time in the current season.
In a recent interview, Ozil has made clear that he intends to stay and finish his contract that will not expire until 2021. In a way, he is deflecting the speculations on Arsenal's plan to move him out on loan in the January transfer window.
Responding to Ozil, Emery did not address the transfer rumors but indicated his game plan is to utilize the football skills of the former Real Madrid.
"He can play, my idea is to use every player, and he's one of the squad who can help us. He has big skills and quality we will need in the next matches. I'm happy now how he is improving, how he is training every day," Metro reported Emery as saying.
He clarified why Ozil was sparingly used in the season so far. The German only saw in action in two games and dropped by Emery from seven games. The Spaniard boss said there were reasons for his decision.
He cited the carjacking incident that disrupted the player's focus that was complicated by his illness that followed shortly. All told, the Arsenal boss said Ozil had a difficult year, and it seemed appropriate to give some for the midfielder to pull things together.
Emery stressed though that sidelining Ozil was not his intention. He was given a break to recover and make time for improvements.
"I didn't close the possibility of playing for him because I think and I want, if he's okay, him to be ready and available, training with us and giving a good feeling to us in training every day," the Arsenal chief said.
However, Ozil will need to showcase that he indeed is all set to play since Arsenal is ready to field French striker Alexandre Lacazette again. Standard Media said Lacazette was forced out of action for six weeks but is now back in training and ready to play again.
For his part, Ozil has maintained he no plans of getting out anytime soon. As far as he is concerned, the German intends to see through his contract, which according to Express entitles the player a salary of £350,000 per week.
"I wanted to stay because I love playing for Arsenal and that's why I've been here for six years ... I'm proud to be an Arsenal player, a fan and I'm happy here," Ozil said.
