X

    Report: Arsenal Exploring Mesut Ozil Sale; Player Insulted Manager Unai Emery

    Gianni Verschueren@ReverschPassFeatured ColumnistJune 4, 2019

    LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 10: Mesut Ozil of Arsenal walks past Unai Emery, Manager of Arsenal after being substituted off during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on March 10, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
    Julian Finney/Getty Images

    Arsenal are reportedly looking to sell midfielder Mesut Ozil in the summer, while the former Real Madrid man is said to have repeatedly insulted manager Unai Emery during the 4-1 loss against Chelsea in the UEFA Europa League final. 

    According to Layth Youssif of Football.london, the Gunners are exploring their options, but he has not been placed on the transfer list, despite reports to the contrary.

    Turkish outlet Fanatik (h/t TalkSport's Josh Fordham) reported that decision had been made after Ozil repeatedly told Emery "you are not a coach" during the final.

    Arsenal's German midfielder Mesut Ozil walks past the trophy after losing the UEFA Europa League final football match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at the Baku Olympic Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijian, on May 29, 2019. (Photo by OZAN KOSE / AFP) (P
    OZAN KOSE/Getty Images

    The Gunners missed out on ending the season with a trophy in Baku, Azerbaijan, as Eden Hazard scored twice and Olivier Giroud and Pedro added goals of their own in a commanding win. Alex Iwobi got the only one for the Gunners.

    Here are the highlights of the match, via UEFA's official YouTube channel:

    Ozil played 77 minutes in the final but was unable to make an impact. It was the end of a frustrating season for the 30-year-old, who scored five goals and added just two assists in the Premier League. Amid his struggles, Arsenal finished in fifth place and out of the UEFA Champions League spots.

    Report: Arsenal Exploring Mesut Ozil Sale; Player Insulted Manager Unai Emery
    Video Play Button
    ✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content Right Arrow Icon

    The former Germany international was a target of criticism at numerous points of the season, including at the conclusion. Former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas said he lacks leadership skills, per BT Sport (h/t ESPN UK):

    ESPN UK @ESPNUK

    Cesc Fabregas slams Mesut Ozil’s lack of leadership skills 👀 https://t.co/FOeS2yODtT

    In October, he dismissed the frequent criticism, telling Sky Sports he only listens to his coach and the people who "say things straight to my face." But Ozil and his coach don't appear to be a great match, per the Guardian's Amy Lawrence:

    Amy Lawrence @amylawrence71

    Any masochistic Arsenal fans keen on further reading? Here is a piece on the disconnect between Emery and Ozil: an imperfect match. It’s a big problem Arsenal need to work out but lord knows how. https://t.co/YD87uGL6kp

    According to Spotrac, Ozil earns £350,000 per week, and that is a major problem for the Gunners. He takes up a huge chunk of their wage bill, and the big contract also makes him difficult to move on.

    A loan is reportedly an option, although interested clubs likely won't be on the hook for all of his wages in such a scenario. Fenerbache are said to be keeping an eye on the situation.