Ozil ‘demanding £300k a week’; accused of ‘giving up’

Mesut Ozil is ‘demanding’ that Arsenal more than double his current wage to £300,000 a week, according to the Daily Mail.

Ozil’s current deal at the Emirates Stadium expires in summer 2018, and negotiations have been put on hold until the end of the season.

The German’s form of late has noticeably dipped, and the Gunners are fighting a losing battle to qualify for the Champions League next season.

The club have offered Ozil a contract worth £250,000 a week, but Sami Mokbel of the Mail reports that he is holding out for £300,000.

Arsenal are ‘reluctant’ to agree to such terms however, and have expressed ‘frustrations’ over the Germany international’s dedication in training, as well as his recent performances.

Former Gunner Martin Keown has accused Ozil of being ‘carried’ by the club. He writes, in his Daily Mail column:

Arsenal are simply carrying Mesut Ozil and they cannot afford to do so. It is very clear that he is not giving everything to the cause.

It looks as if Ozil has given up on his team-mates. I don’t know whether he is trying to sulk his way to a move.

Who does he think he is kidding with his performances? He is supposed to be Arsenal’s most influential player, their playmaker. Against Tottenham he was just jogging around the pitch.

Alexis Sanchez started badly but grew into the game. Ozil did not make a contribution all afternoon.

Yes, Arsenal gave away a silly penalty at White Hart Lane. Yes, they also fell asleep at set-pieces.

Tottenham may have better players than Arsenal at the moment but that has not stopped them from getting a result against Spurs in the past. In the days of great players like Glenn Hoddle and Ossie Ardiles, Arsenal still managed to grind out victories against Tottenham.

Ozil cannot be upset with any of his team-mates if he is not prepared to work hard himself.’