The long running contract stand-off between Arsenal and one of their top players in Mesut Ozil has now taken a new twist.
The Gunners have been trying to tie down the German play-maker to a new deal for quite some time now. Ozil has spoken out about the matter recently, saying that he loves the club and is more than willing to stay, however there is a twist in the tale.
The 28-year-old added that he would only make a decision on his future once the situation of manager Arsene Wenger is clarified. The French manager is on the last year of his current deal and could leave the club, where he has spent more than 20 years, as soon as next summer.
Many Gooners saw this coming, and some took it in jovial fashion.
“I want to be clear what the manager is going to do” – Ozil says Wenger’s future is key to contract talks: https://t.co/KhXxHQmc0M pic.twitter.com/0o4VGeVpZ3
— Sky Football ⚽️ (@SkyFootball) January 8, 2017
No surprise that Ozil wants clarity over Wenger’s future – https://t.co/D7dYrWe0wA
— Arsenal News (@ArsenalNewsApp) January 9, 2017
Ozil has said before that he came to #AFC because of Wenger. So if he said he’s waiting on Wenger’s contract before signing, he’s on track.
— Francis (@Flanchich) January 9, 2017
They say Wenger doesn’t do tactics but tying his renewal to Ozil’s is a masterstroke.
— Kick Arse (@kickarseHD) January 8, 2017
Personally, I don’t think Wenger going would make Ozil go. I suspect it would depend on who comes in. Negotiations should be private not PR.
— Simon Rose (@thatsimonrose) January 9, 2017
However most of the Arsenal fan base didn’t take the news too well. There has been a very vocal and angry uprising against Wenger in recent times, with the #WengerOut brigade increasingly frustrated over the continued tenure of the Frenchman.
They have been demanding a change in manager for years now, and the recent comments made by Ozil has only served to aggravate them even further.
Gooners are now saying they don’t care if Ozil wants to leave, because him staying isn’t worth it if it means Wenger too will stay on.
Ozil chose Wenger over the club and fans.
What a player. What a show of commitment.
Lmaaaoooooo— Yemi (@Babygiwa) January 9, 2017
Ozil’s words have annoyed me. Proper shows lack of ambition. He can bounce when Wenger leaves for all I care
— ….. (@mimi_afc) January 9, 2017
Because you don’t want Ozil to go Wenger must now stay. Rubbish.
— STEEV (@stephenoflyf) January 9, 2017
Ozil will sign contract at Arsenal, only if Wenger extend his stay.
It’s time for both to leave
— Abba Musa Muhammad (@AbbaMaiAdda) January 9, 2017
When I heard Ozil said he would only sign if Wenger does… pic.twitter.com/hqusquy8BJ
— Mark (@marky249) January 9, 2017
Ozil situation doesn’t make sense. He’ll only stay if Wenger stays? So if it’s Wenger’s last season Ozil would leave to join another manager
— GG (@GunnerGrxnit) January 9, 2017
I adore Mesut Ozil but if it means 2 more years of Wenger to keep him then thanks for the memories Mesut but it’s time to say goodbye.
— WozTheGooner (@wozthegooner) January 8, 2017
Wenger leaving and Ozil going with him is more appealing than Wenger staying. Shame about Ozil leaving but we need Max Allegri FC
— Olly (@Giroudesquee) January 8, 2017
Ozil can leave
Alexis can go
Wenger can retire
I will always love this club & support the players who wear the shirt. I’m loyal to Arsenal— Memz Dogi ?? (@AFCMemz) January 8, 2017