Why Arsenal must not offer Mesut Ozil a contract extension
According to ESPN (h/t Daily Mail), Arsenal are yet to offer veteran playmaker Mesut Ozil a new contract extension.
The 31-year-old German’s current deal with the club is set to expire in 2021. Ozil, who earns a £350,000 weekly wage, is also the highest-earning player in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Ozil, who arrived at Arsenal from La Liga giants Real Madrid in the summer of 2013, was close to an exit last summer after falling out of favour with former boss Unai Emery. However, the 2014 World Cup winner with Germany stayed put.
The playmaker has made 23 appearances in total for the North London side this term. A top player for the Gunners in the last few years, Ozil’s form has hit a new low, with the player managing just one goal and three assists in the current campaign.
This has forced the club hierarchy to put off talks with their star midfielder. That means Ozil could either leave the club at the end of this season or for free when his deal gets completed next year (h/t Daily Mail).
Ozil, meanwhile, has been linked with a summer move to Turkish outfit Fenerbahçe, making it clear that his future at Emirates still remains an uncertainty.
Arsenal playmaker Ozil showing signs of ageing
Undoubtedly a top player, Ozil has been one of the best performers for the Gunners in the past few years, making 254 appearances for them in total. He has been one of their most creative players in midfield, racking up 44 goals and providing an impressive 77 assists across all competitions to date.
However, the veteran star has suffered a sudden dip in form that has clearly affected his side’s performances this season. Arsenal are lying a lowly ninth in the Premier League this season, managing just 40 goals from 29 league matches.
For someone, who regularly used to manage more than five assists in a single season, Ozil’s numbers in the recent two campaigns show signs that he is clearly ageing.
From nine league assists in the 2017-18 Premier League to just two in the last season, Ozil’s performances have deteriorated drastically. Hence, it would be wise of Arsenal to not extend his contract as he clearly looks way past his prime.
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Verdict
Ozil is in his ninth season at the Emirates and is not anymore, the top player that he once used to be. His numbers in recent times are a testament to it. Moreover, the playmaker is already 31 years of age, it is time to look for a future replacement. At the moment, they need some young blood to add energy to their attack, and not an old guard like Ozil.
