“He’s already left” – Arsenal boss Wenger does not want star playmaker around the youngsters, says Martin Keown
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes Mesut Ozil is nearing a move away from the north London-based club.
The Germany international has under nine months remaining on his contract with Arsenal and will be able to discuss terms with European clubs from January onwards.
Ozil could also end up leave the Gunners for free next summer unless a new deal is agreed or he is sold in January.
Keown believes that Ozil has ‘already left’ Arsenal in his mind. The former England international does insists the Gunners can however cope without him.
See More: ‘Let him go Man Utd’ – Arsenal fans convinced they already have an Ozil replacement – Wenger prepare to cash in on him in January
“I think he’s testing Wenger more than any other player has,” Keown told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“I think it was Belarus the other week, he didn’t fancy going. He didn’t want to go. Suddenly he was injured again, he played nine minutes against West Bromwich Albion on the Monday, so how did he get injured there?
“I think it was Belarus the other week, he didn’t fancy going. He didn’t want to go.
“Suddenly he was injured again, he played nine minutes against West Bromwich Albion on the Monday, so how did he get injured there?”
“I think in some departments he’s already left. Psychologically, mentally, he’s already left the football club. Maybe Wenger is now trying to do the best deal he can to get some compensation for him.
“I think he doesn’t want that sort of player around the youngsters in the group.”
Ozil has made just four Premier League starts for the Gunners this season. The World Cup winner has been sidelined for the past two weeks with a knee injury which also kept him out of the Germany national teak squad.
Arsenal take on Watford FC in their next Premier League fixture on October 14.
