Nicklas Bendtner

Arsenal technical director Edu Gaspar has said that Mesut Ozil could still have a role to play for the Gunners this term, if he is able to step up with his performances in training. The former Germany international was a regular starter under Mikel Arteta until the coronavirus shutdown. However, on the restart, he fell out-of-favour and did not make a single appearance over the course of the campaign.

Ozil has clearly stated that he has no plans of heading through the exit door until his contract expires in June 2021 and Edu has said that the attacker could return to contention until Arteta, provides he gives his best in training, he told Arsenal media: “We are talking of course about performance. Players with performance in training, the game, they are going to have opportunities because Mikel already showed that.

“It is for everyone. We know how important everybody is. I know how important and how big the player is when you mention Mesut but in the end ,we are talking about performance here. If he is performing well, people are performing well, who is the best in the training, the best in the game, I’m sure Mikel is going to select them to be in the squads to play games or to be on the bench.”

Ozil played in a pre-season friendly for the Gunners against Aston Villa earlier this month and he could make his comeback for the Premier League opener at Fulham. He now has competition with new signing Willian touted to play in the number 10 role and it remains to be seen whether he makes the matchday squad at the least.
Meanwhile, a number of other players could head for the exit door this summer. Matteo Guendouzi, Sokratis, Sead Kolasinac and Lucas Torreira are among those up for sale with the Gunners aiming to recoup funds for the purchases of Thomas Partey and Houssem Aouar from Atletico Madrid and Lyon respectively.