Mesut Ozil’s Arsenal future is in doubt after missing out on the defeat by Liverpool on Saturday, despite being fit and available for selection.
Ozil and team-mate Sead Kolasinac both missed the start of the season following further threats to their security in the aftermath of a failed carjacking attempt.
The German midfielder returned to training ahead of the Gunners win over Burnley last week but was overlooked due to illness, while Kolasinac made an appearance from the bench.
Ozil was fit and available for the Liverpool clash at Anfield on Saturday but he did not make the squad and was left behind in London. Kolasinac, meanwhile, was on the bench.
Poignantly, coach Unai Emery said of his matchday squad: ‘The players here are the ones we think were the best physically to play today.’
The fact that Ozil could not even make the bench for Arsenal will again put a huge question mark against his career at the Emirates.
The Germany international is the highest wage earner at the club, on a £350,000 a week.
His salary will be a significant stumbling block to any permanent transfer but a loan deal for a fee is a possibility – similar to the agreement have with Real Madrid for Dan Ceballos who will cost Arsenal £15 million for the season.
If Arsenal agree to subsidise his wages, Ozil could be on his way out with clubs in Italy, Spain and possibly Germany on alert.
The likes of Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Valencia could all be keen to move for the playmaker if Arsenal decide to let him go.
