Arsenal: Mesut Ozil ‘Agrees’ January Fenerbahce Transfer

Mesut Ozil has never been closer to leaving Arsenal.

Arsenal were in need of a clear-out, one that included names across the squad. Among those are Mesut Ozil, although nobody expected him to be going in January.

For the first time since he signed his new contract, it appears a premature departure from north London is happening.

A rollercoaster saga that has begun to unfold rapidly is reaching its climax, with reports swirling around all corners of the globe suggesting one thing or another.

Ozil, earning £350k-per-week, has not played competitive football for Arsenal since March 2020, and if he is the stay, he will easily surpass a year as he is not in Mikel Arteta‘s plans.

The decision to hand him an eye-watering new contract is one the club have since regretted, as the minutes have dwindled down with each passing manager in charge. Efforts to have him depart Arsenal, either on loan or permanently, have proven fruitless given Ozil’s unwillingness to leave and his astronomical wages.

However, an apparent conclusion is within sight.

Where Ozil could go has been limited, as at 32 years old the European heavyweights are no longer interested or have been priced out, leaving Major League Soccer and the Turkish Super Lig as the only viable options.

Given his Turkish roots and unwavering support for Fenerbahce, the Yellow Canaries have remained in the picture non-stop over the past few years. The issue of money has always been noted, but on this occasion, the deal is now considered ‘very close’.

Is this affiliation finally coming to an end?

Mesut Ozil Closes in on Fenerbahce Transfer

Turkey has garnered a reputation for itself when it comes to football transfers with the rest of Europe, and it’s generally an unfavourable one.

There is a tendency for sensationalism and unfounded claims, although the sheer volume of reports and legitimacy of those in question goes against the grain. Journalist Berkay Tokgoz has claimed that Ozil will join the 19-time Super Lig champions ‘very soon’, even going on to reveal he will wear the No. 23 shirt in the capital.

Reputable claims back in December stated that Ali Koc, Fener president, met with Ozil in London to discuss the terms of the agreement, one that is now deemed nearing completion. Koc is up for re-election in the summer, with this deal sure to see him continue in his post.

Further information on a deal comes courtesy of Turkish outlet DHA Spor, who state that Ozil has agreed a three-and-a-half year deal with the club. Ozil’s basic salary will amount to around €5m net per season, which will make him among the highest earners in the division along with Falcao.

It’s stated that Arsenal will continue to pay his wages for the rest of the campaign, while Fener will included a €2.5m signing on fee for the German ahead of the following campaign.

The situation is somewhat surreal. Never before has Ozil been this close to leaving since his new deal.

Could there be any complications?

Mesut Ozil Will Leave Arsenal

As ever, all transfers can hit snags late in proceedings that completely derail negotiations. However, on this occasion, all seems watertight.

As for Arsenal, this deal does nothing for them financially, with the only change for them being the extra space freed up in the squad – a place that Ozil already didn’t have.

Some bonuses may have been included for certain areas that Arsenal may have had to deal with, yet the possibility to remove him from the squad and quell any toxicity within the camp will have been enough for Arteta.

How the squad have dealt with Ozil’s omission is a combination of hearsay and assumption, although it’s largely thought that the German being ostracised has caused division at London Colney.

While financially it’s no different for Arsenal, this will act as a watershed moment for the club, and particularly Arteta, who will see Ozil’s departure as the clearest indicator that work is being done to move forward from the old guard.

Ozil’s quality and the possible impact he could make on the team are irrelevant at this stage. Arsenal need turn the chapter and they’re making moves to do so. A deal looks closer than ever to completion, with even Sokratis hinting strongly towards it on Ozil’s Instagram page.

Even beyond that, Puma have become Fenerbahce’s new sponsor, with the German sportswear brand having now started negotiations with Ozil over a partnership. Further announcements are expected in the coming days, all of which point to official confirmation.