Mesut Özil, 29, is set to join Manchester United next summer after telling members of the Arsenal squad that a move to the Gunners bitter Premier League rivals is all but done.
The Daily Mirror claims the German World Cup winner will depart next summer on a free transfer after Arsenal refused to increase their £275,000 per week wages offer to £350,000 Özil’s representatives demanded.
Jose Mourinho, a firm admirer of the German international, is a keen admirer of his skills although the pair enjoyed a prickly relationship when the Portuguese was in charge at Real Madrid.
His criticism of Özil was unceasing and relentless, provoking the normally placid German into a training ground bust-up. After venting his feelings, the pair found common ground although Mourinho maintained his habit of substituting the mercurial midfielder before the end of matches on a regular basis.
The news brought swift criticism from Arsenal fans on social media. Even Özil’s most ardent admirers were stunned by the Mirror’s claims with some going so far as to declare that he shouldn’t be allowed near the Arsenal first team again.
After his return to the side last weekend at Watford, Özil’s own form might see that happen with Jack Wilshere ready to challenge for the XI’s creative role. The England international came through another game unscathed as the Gunners defeated Red Star Belgrade 1 – 0 to all but assure their qualification to the knockout stages of the Europa League.
