Manchester United on alert as Wenger willing to sell £42.5m Arsenal star in move that would have hallmarks of Robin Van Persie transfer
Arsene Wenger is reported to be furious with Arsenal star Mesut Ozil after pulling out of the West Brom clash over the weekend while reporting for Germany according to the Sun.
Ozil was unable to play for Arsenal against West Brom after Arsenal revealed that he suffered a hamstring injury.
More: For Mesut Ozil news and everything you want to know about the Arsenal star
Per the source, what infuriated Wenger was that Ozil then reported for Germany and could feature in the international clash against England.
Wenger is now reported to be open to the sale of Ozil over the summer.
The Germany international of Turkish origin will have just over a year remaining on his contract at the end of the season but has yet to sign an extension.
Ozil joined Arsenal for a club record £42.5 million fee (Guardian) amid high expectations. The North London side have however, been unable to win any major silverware apart from two FA Cup trophies since his arrival.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reported to be closely monitoring Ozil’s situation at Arsenal according to Charles Watts of Football.London and will be on high alert following the latest development.
Mourinho is no stranger to working with Ozil from their time together at Real Madrid and once described him as being the best No 10 in the world.
“Özil is unique. There is no copy of him – not even a bad one. He is the best number 10 in the world,” Mourinho was quoted as saying by Marca.
Arsenal did go through a similar transfer saga when Robin van Persie decided to leave for United in 2012.
Van Persie revealed in a letter to the fans that he felt Arsenal no longer had ambitions to win silverware and is the reason he decided to leave: “As announced earlier this year I had a meeting with the Boss and Mr. Gazidis after the season. This was a meeting about the club’s future strategy and their policy. Financial terms or a contract have not been discussed, since that is not my priority at all.
“I personally have had a great season but my goal has been to win trophies with the team and to bring the club back to its glory days.
“Out of my huge respect for Mr. Wenger, the players and the fans I don’t want to go into any details, but unfortunately in this meeting it has again become clear to me that we in many aspects disagree on the way Arsenal FC should move forward.”
Despite tarnishing his reputation with Arsenal fans, Van Persie remains a United hero to this day for playing a key role in the Red Devils winning the league title for an unprecedented 20th time.