Arsenal football club received a permanent offer for star midfielder, Mesut Ozil, from an unknown Qatari based club, but head coach Mikel Arteta stopped the deal from happening. Reports suggest that the German could have left the gunners for the middle East if not for the intervention of their manager.
Arsenal brought in 2 additions in the winter market, Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares. But they could have seen one of their biggest stars leave the Emirates stadium.
Ozil was scarcely used by former boss Unai Emery and reports frequently emerged of differences between the pair. However, Arteta has used him consistently, and after impressing his new coach with his attitude, he appears to be a key figure in the Arsenal side again.
Speculation had been rife regarding the futures of other players. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been continuously linked with an exit from the club. The Gabonese forward was linked with a move to Barcelona after Luis Suarez suffered a long-term injury, but a transfer never looked like materializing, despite Aubameyang’s contract expiring at the end of next season.
The skipper has reiterated that he is fully committed to the course in North London. Though head coach Arteta has admitted that the club will have to sell some of their top stars in order to raise money for other new arrivals. The club is linked with Bayern Munich defender David Alaba. The Austrian has declared his intention to depart the Bavarian at the end of the season.
Canada international Alphonso Davies has occupied Alaba’s favorite position this season-left back. Alaba has also declared he wants to play further forward. The 27-year-old will have a year left on his contract at the end of the season, and Arsenal are ready to meet the demands of the player.