Mesut Ozil ‘is closer than ever to Fenerbahce’ reveals Turkish giants’ sporting director Emre Belozoglu as Arsenal outcast edges nearer to exit
Arsenal outcast Mesut Ozil may get the chance to play first-team football this season as talks gather pace over a transfer to Fenerbahce.
The Germany World Cup winner has been frozen out by Mikel Arteta all campaign, with the Arsenal boss having made it clear that he is not in his plans. He was not registered in Arsenal’s Premier League and Europa League squads for this season and has not played for the club since March.
Ozil, who earns £350,000 a week at the Gunners, has been linked with a move to his boyhood Turkish club Fenerbahce or DC United in Major League Soccer.
Mesut Ozil is wanted by Fenerbahce with sporting director Emre speaking about signing him
And speaking about their desire to sign the 32-year-old, Fenerbahce’s sporting director Emre Belozoglu revealed that there have been a progression in negotiations over finalising a deal between all parties.
‘Mesut Ozil has been one of the most special players in the world for his position in the last 20 years,’ the former Newcastle midfielder told Turkish media, as quoted by Sky Sports.
‘If this transfer takes place, it will be a first. I regard it as a very positive move for both our community and our president, but I don’t think it will be easy. We have our own plans. And Mesut has a contract with his club.
‘He is a superstar. We are talking about a player who contributes to goals in every other game, regardless of which team he plays for. I will be extremely pleased if Fenerbahce can have such a player, especially while we are on duty.
‘We had a meeting with him and his agent. It’s happening slowly, but Mesut is closer than ever to Fenerbahce. The fact that Mesut’s childhood dream is still alive and Fenerbahce has such a dream has made this step so close for the first time.
‘After Mesut is done with the negotiations with his club, we will have our own negotiations among ourselves. If Mesut can make a deal with his club on the terms we expect, it won’t be a burden for us financially considering our limits this year.’
Earlier this week, Ozil spoke of his affection for the Istanbul club during a Twitter Q&A.
He teased fans by saying: ‘I grew up as a Fenerbahce fan as a kid in Germany – every German-Turkish person supports a Turkish team when they grow up in Germany.
‘And mine was Fenerbahce. Fenerbahce is like Real Madrid in Spain. The biggest club in the country.’
When asked by another Twitter followers for his favourite district in Istanbul, Ozil replied ‘Kadikoy’ where the club’s stadium is located.
