Mesut Ozil did not play for Arsenal FC against Manchester City, a game the Gunners lost 3-0. He was not part of the 20-man lineup Mikel Arteta had, calling it a tactical decision. The move raised some questions on why the German was left out. It even brought up several questions of his future though he is signed with Arsenal until next season.
When he was left out, Ozil posted a cryptic post on his Instagram account. "It read: No matter what... #M1Ö @Arsenal." In the photo, he was seen holding the Arsenal badge. That sent of mixed signals, one of which was that he might be sent off this summer. Due to the financial crisis that all clubs are facing, it made sense. Ozil is making $432,000 a week, pay he can rely on until next summer.
Arteta eventually came out in the open to explain what his "tactical decision" was all about. He explained that he felt Ozil was not in top form and wanted him to work his way back to shape. Aside from that, he emphasized that the German remains a vital piece of Arsenal. Ozil was performing well before the COVID-19 break under the Spanish coach, hinting that there was no reason for the Gunners to deal him away. That was until the financial problems started to sink in.
With a hefty weekly pay check, the Gunners are now forced to consider options on Ozil. Dealing him away would be the easiest way although no club has expressed interest. Further, no team would be open to inheriting his weekly pay of $432,000.
An alternative would be to loan him to other teams. That seems to be a more realistic approach although Arsenal may have to pay a portion of the German's contract. Regardless, paying only a portion is better than paying the whole amount owed Ozil.
At 31, Ozil knows that this may be the last time he will enjoy a good-paying deal. He may have a hard time securing a new deal after the current one expires, not to mention being paid lower. But right now, Ozil has little options. All he can do now is play for the rest of the season with the playing time given by Arteta. The summer will be an interesting one for the German, one of several players who have contract-related issues. But for Ozil, the most important thing is to continue playing - regardless if it will be at Emirates Stadium or somewhere else.
