Arteta could axe Ozil from Arsenal’s 25-man Premier League squad
Mesut Ozil is in serious danger of being axed from Mikel Arteta’s 25-man Arsenal squad.
The Gunners boss has to leave out two non-homegrown senior players when Arsenal submits its final list to the Premier League.
Arsenal added Thomas Partey to the roster on deadline day and failed to move on those who have fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates, meaning the Gunners currently have 19 non-homegrown players.
According to rules published by the Premier League, clubs have to submit their 25-man squad by October 20. This list must feature a maximum of 17, and a minimum of eight, non-homegrown players.
Arsenal can still sell senior non-homegrown players to teams in the Football League until October 16, but it is highly unlikely that they will.
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Instead, Arteta will be forced with the difficult situation of having to axe two first-team non-homegrown players from his squad for the season.
The German is yet to feature for Arsenal this season, despite remaining the best-paid player at the football club on £350,000-a-week.
read also:German FA admits to Ozil ‘mistakes’ that forced Arsenal star into retirement
Arteta had high hopes for Ozil when he took over from Unai Emery as Arsenal’s boss and initially reinstated him to the first team.
“As I said before, what I want is to understand how they are feeling and what they need. It’s not so much about what I need. You have to understand them. Sometimes with the conversation, you get to understand a point.
“When you understand them, I can take the excuses out of them and focus on the things that are relevant and have an impact on the team on and off the pitch.
“Of course he’s a massive player. I work with him and I know when he clicks, what he can bring to the team. It’s my job to get the best out of him, of course.”
It wasn’t long before Ozil found himself on the bench once again, and now out of the team