Per Mertesacker offers theory behind Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal first-team expulsion

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Mesut Ozil remains firmly out of the picture at Arsenal football club.

The former Germany international has not played for the Gunners since March, with fans perplexed as to what may have gone on behind closed doors.

Mikel Arteta has been reluctant to call on the 32-year-old since becoming manager in late 2019, preferring to use the likes of Dani Ceballos, Joe Willock and Willian in the attacking midfield position.

Everybody has an opinion about Arsenal, but nobody really knows the real reason he hasn’t been in and around the first-team squad.

Former Gunners defender Per Mertesacker also has a take on the situation.

The club’s Academy manager said of his fellow compatriot (Mirror): “A lot has changed away from the field. He got married, has a family. Perhaps his focus has changed. Nevertheless, he is still happy and happy to play football.

“He’s the only player I’ve played with for three teams – Bremen, Arsenal and also at the DFB. So I’m very sorry that he’s currently in a situation where he’s not really used.”

Having been left out of Arsenal’s Europa League squad, domestic football will be Ozil’s only chance for minutes before his contract expires next summer.

TBR’s View – One of football’s most mysterious situations

The Ozil saga is definitely a strange one.

It’s surely not correct to think that Arteta would ostracise Ozil on the basis of footballing ability.

He’s had an amazing career and still has plenty offer at the age of 32.

There’s been speculation that he perhaps doesn’t put the work in in training or that his attitude does not sit well with the manager.

Only Arteta knows the real reason, but it’s certainly a shame to see a once-world class player seemingly heading for a sorry end in north London.