Arsenal legend David Seaman has had his say on Mesut Ozil’s future at the club, telling talkSPORT the German’s behaviour ‘could breed discontent’ at the Emirates Stadium.
Midfielder Ozil has fallen out of favour this season under Unai Emery, who is said to be unhappy with the 30-year-old’s attitude.
He hasn’t played since Boxing Day, being left out of the squad for the 1-0 defeat to West Ham, and has been linked with a move away in January, with Juventus and Inter Milan possible destinations.
Arsenal are short of funds this month and reports have suggested Emery could look to offload the club’s highest-paid player – who is paid £350,000-a-week – to fund new signings.
Ozil has been off colour this term; since his turbulent World Cup, which ended at the group stages and saw him quit the German team, the midfield maestro has managed just four goals and two assists in 16 games for Arsenal.
And Seaman says Ozil has not done enough for such a highly-paid player, and has let the club and his team-mates down this season.
Asked about Ozil’s situation at the club, Arsenal’s former goalkeeper told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “There something really weird going on and I don’t think we’re getting the full story.
“It doesn’t look good. He’s the top-earning player at the club and he’s just not doing it.
“He’s not even doing it when he’s actually on the pitch as well, he’s not playing brilliantly.
“That can cause a lot of problems, especially with the amount of money he’s getting. It’s almost double what everybody else is doing, if not more in some cases.
“It can cause problems because the guy who is getting the most money is supposed to be the guy who is setting the example.
“He’s the best player at the club and you want to see that.
“But when you see that he’s not doing it, and he’s not doing regularly it breeds a little bit of discontent.
“The players get the hump with you.”