Arsenal squad 'split over Mesut Ozil exile'

The Arsenal dressing room is reportedly divided over Mikel Arteta's decision to freeze Mesut Ozil out of the first-team picture this season.

The 32-year-old is Arsenal's highest earner on £350,000 per week but has not played for the team in any competition since March.

Arteta left Ozil out of his squads for the Premier League and Europa League, but the Gunners have struggled in his absence, losing eight of their 15 top-flight outings so far and scoring only 15 goals in the process.

The former Germany international could be recalled when Arsenal renew their Premier League squad after the January transfer window, and The Telegraph reports that a senior group of players are lobbying for Arteta to perform a U-turn after being impressed by Ozil's performances in training.

Arteta is not thought to have any plans to welcome Ozil back into the fold, though, with the World Cup winner's contract due to expire in the summer.

Ozil is free to open talks over a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from Friday and is almost certain to leave Arsenal when his current deal runs out.

Turkish side Fenerbahce have been linked with a move for the playmaker, while a switch to the MLS has also been mooted.

Written by
Barney Corkhill