Mikel Arteta seemed to be dropping hints that he is ready to play Mesut Ozil on the pitch again. The German playmaker figured in the friendly match against Aston Villa last week and there are indications he could see action when the Gunners clashes with newly-promoted Fulham this coming Saturday.
A social media post from Ozil said he is preparing for the upcoming games, which came following his appearance on Arsenal's last friendlies with Villa. The 31-year-old appeared raring for a comeback after missing his side's last 13 games in the past season.
The Daily Star said the midfielder intends to play in the remaining months of his stay at the Emirates. And it looked like that Arteta is giving Ozil another shot at proving his worth to the Gunners squad.
The latest development runs in contrast with the recent reports that the World Cup winner is ready to exit the Premier League this summer and bring his game elsewhere. An offer from a club in Saudi Arabia would have earned Ozil £15 million per year but the German decided to stay.
Ozil had declared previously he will honor his Arsenal contract, which pays him £350,000 per week, and that likely how things will play out over the next 10 months. If indeed he is ready to step up next season, then Arteta will only be happy to make room for the player.
The Gunners coach has stated in recent weeks that all Arsenal players will receive the same treatment and equal opportunity from him. With Ozil expressing willingness to play his best and proving he can follow through, the Spanish boss is only obliged to make room on his squad.
Ozil, however, will need to work doubly hard that he deserves to be in the Arsenal first-team. He will be fighting for a spot that is already dominated by the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Reiss Nelson, Bukayo Saka, and new signing Willian.
Metro said how Ozil will compete for a regular first-team position is something to watch for.
The challenge though is not about to discourage the German. He insisted that difficulties will only fire him up to keep going.
"Situations like these will never break me, they only make me stronger. I showed in the past that I can come back into the team and I will show it again," Ozil was reported as saying.
The Arsenal man reiterated his earlier vow that he is making his stay at the Emirates worthwhile and the club can expect only the best when is on the pitch.
