Arsenal Rumors: Former Arsenal Boss Believes Ozil Can Shine With The Right Club

Mesut Ozil continues to be kept out of the Arsenal FC picture with the German seemingly content riding out his contract until next summer. Deals involving the 32-year-old player have been suggested but most clubs are wary of taking him in because of his lofty salary.

One known figure who believes Ozil could be of use to other teams is Arsene Wenger. Wenger was the top man for the Gunners from 1996 to 2018 before he was succeeded by Mikel Arteta. One of his key signings for the Gunners is Ozil, someone he took in during the summer of 2013 with a record-breaking $55 million deal.

The investment made by Arsenal at that time proved reasonable with Ozil helping the Gunners to three FA Cup conquests. As far as his numbers, the German defender has scored 44 goals and 77 assists across his name in 254 appearances.

Unfortunately, things have not bode well for Ozil. Questions on his attitude and consistency were raised and such as resulted in him being kept out of action. For Wenger, he is a talent that is being wasted.

“Mesut Ozil is an exceptional football player. What happens at the moment between him and the club looks to be more confrontational. It's not based only on sport," Wenger said in an interview with Sky Sports. “If Ozil cannot play in the Europa League, I'm sorry, but this guy has won things, he's a world champion, he's an exceptional football player."

Regardless, Wenger believes that Ozil needs to do his part and align with what Arteta has in mind. He agrees that any player should respect the decision of the manager and prove himself to get his spot back. In all, that move will fall entirely on Ozil.

Ozil has gotten his share of suitors but has unfortunately thumbed them down. That included interest from clubs like Al-Nassr of Saudi Arabia and Fenerbahce of the Turkish Super League. The German prefers to stay at Emirates Stadium even if he has yet to get a chance to take the field.

The 2018 World Cup winner continues to get paid, including a hefty £8 million ($10 million) bonus that was part of his contract. In the eyes of people such as Arsenal legend Martin Keown, it is an expense that the Gunners can do without.

"That’s how restrictive that has been. They need to cut their losses and pay him off," Keown said via TalkSPORT.