Arsenal
Arsene Wenger delivers honest verdict as Mesut Ozil closes in on Arsenal exit
Arsene Wenger has told BeIN Sports that it is “fantastic” to see Mesut Ozil is finally set to leave Arsenal and join Fenerbahce – with the Gunners number 10 making no secret of his move to Fener on social media.
Ozil, 32, was left out of Arsenal’s Premier League and Europa League squads this season – failing to make a single Gunners appearance. It is believed Arsenal will make Ozil a free agent, with the player giving up £7million in wages.
The 92-time Germany international – who was signed by Wenger in 2014 from Real Madrid – is now expected to sign a contract with Fener and has confirmed he has flown to the SuperLig side with numerous posts on social media.
Wenger was asked about Ozil’s move to Fener and he thinks it is “fantastic” to see Ozil leave The Emirates and move to a club that he supported as a child. He also thinks Ozil can help Fenerbahce in their bid to win the SuperLig title.
(Photo by Isa Terli/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
“It’s fantastic news. Fenerbahce fans must be absolutely excited to have a player like Mesut Ozil,” Wenger said. “I think he can help them win the title. He will be frustrated for not having to play, so his hunger will be fantastic.
“Mesut needs a warm environment and he won’t find that better elsewhere. He can provide the final ball for the strikers to win football matches. If they do that, they can win the league – I will follow that with huge attention.
“If you imagine an orchestra, he is the guy that plays the ball at the right time. The creativity and the timing is exceptional. Any time he is confronted, he gives the right answer. He is a genius.”
"It's fantastic news for Fenerbahçe!"
The man who brought Mesut Özil to Arsenal has had his say on the blockbuster transfer. #beINPL #Ozil pic.twitter.com/mzCswtDX6v
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) January 18, 2021
TBR’s view – Can Ozil guide Fener to the SuperLig title?
Without a doubt. Fener currently sit joint top of the SuperLig, behind Besiktas only on goal difference. Both sides are four points clear of third place, and four clear of title rivals Galatasarsay – who sit in fourth.
Along with the likes of Mbwana Samatta, Enner Valencia, Luiz Gustavo and plenty more, Fener have all the tools required to retain the SuperLig title – their first since 2014, the year in which Ozil joined Arsenal.
(Photo credit: OLLY GREENWOOD/AFP via Getty Images)
