Mesut Ozil’s agent speaks out over his Arsenal future to ‘provide clarity and end’ transfer rumours

Mesut Ozil’s agent has taken the unusual decision to speak publicly about the midfielder’s future at Arsenal, revealing that not only does the World Cup winner want to see out his current contract, but that he could yet extend it to stay at the Emirates even longer.

The 30-year-old’s future has come under intense scrutiny this season since the arrival of new manager Unai Emery, who has not been as willing to build his team around the Germany international as Arsene Wenger was.

That has led to speculation that the £42.5m signing could be looking for an exit in the near future, particularly as Emery has not been afraid to leave Ozil out of the entire matchday squad for “tactical reasons” as he did so last month – though it must be said that Ozil returned to captain the side in their very next match.

Speculation has been rife that Ozil could look at a move to Turkey with Fenerbahce tentatively linked, but his agent, Dr Erkut Sogut, has surprisingly spoken out to reiterate Ozil’s commitment to Arsenal and his desire to win back his place once he recovers from the knee injury that has currently sidelined him.

“I would prefer not to speak publicly about Mesut's situation, but given the recent speculation linking him with a move away from Arsenal, I do feel it is important to provide some clarity so we can end this and focus on football,” Dr Sogut told Goal.

“Mesut signed a new contract last January because he saw his future at Arsenal and nothing has changed in his mind. He wants to stay for the duration of that contract and maybe even longer.

“Mesut is 100 per cent committed to Arsenal Football Club. He loves the club, shares its values and does not want to be anywhere else.

“He is proud to wear the shirt and honoured to represent Arsenal on and off the pitch. He takes his responsibilities - including being selected as one of the captains this season - very seriously and has a great relationship with his team-mates, the staff and fans.”

Ozil has started 12 of his 13 Premier League appearances this season – with two of his three Europa League appearances coming from the bench – but he has seen his 2018/19 campaign hampered by injuries to his back and knee, as well as illness, that has seen him miss a number of matches already this season.

However, part of the issue for Ozil is that, according to his agent, he is having to learn how to fit into Emery’s new philosophy at Arsenal given the change in style since Wenger’s exit, and Dr Sogut believes that given time, Ozil will prove that his future belongs at Arsenal and not elsewhere.

“In the last year, there has been enormous upheaval for everybody at the club and the first half of this season has not been perfect for Mesut,” Dr Sogut added.

“He has suffered from injuries and illness, and is working hard to adapt to the different system employed by head coach Unai Emery. This may take time, but Mesut will give everything he has to help make it work and bring success to Arsenal”