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Arsenal news: Mesut Ozil ‘hoping’ to leave in January - deal ‘will’ happen
ARSENAL star Mesut Ozil will be hoping to leave the club in January and a deal will end up happening that sees him exit the Emirates.
That is the opinion of ESPN FC pundit and former Liverpool right-back Steve Nicol.
Mesut Ozil only signed a new contract at Arsenal in January this year to make him the highest paid player in the club’s history.
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However, it is evident the former Germany international is not a key part of head coach Unai Emery’s plans.
Ozil has only started one game since the 1-1 draw with Wolves on November 11.
It’s a matter of time. I’m sure he will be hoping it will happen in January
That was the dead rubber Europa League victory over Qarabag last Thursday.
Ozil was left out of the squad for the Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat to Tottenham on Wednesday.
After the match Emery confirmed the decision was a “tactical” one and there was no fitness problem.
Nicol believes after five-and-a-half years Ozil’s time at Arsenal is coming to an end.
And he reckons he will be on his way next month.
“Yes [I expect Ozil to leave],” Nicol said.
“It’s a matter of time. I’m sure he will be hoping it will happen in January.
“The new rules mean that teams in the Champions League can sign one player.
“He would be a great addition for anybody.
“Wages are going to be a problem.
“But I think he will move and a deal will be sorted one way or the other.”