On January 7, 2021, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta confirmed Mesut Ozil, a 32-year-old midfielder, could leave in the January transfer window if a deal benefits both the club and player, according to Sky Sports. Ozil, earning £350,000 weekly, was not registered for the 2020/21 Premier League or Europa League squads and had not played competitively that season.
His agent, Dr. Erkut Sogut, said talks with Fenerbahce and DC United were ongoing, with clarity expected within 7–10 days, though Ozil preferred to stay until his contract expired in June 2021, according to ESPN.
Arteta’s Stance and Club Strategy
Arteta emphasized any move must suit both parties, stating Ozil could remain if no deal materialized, according to Goal. Arsenal, sixth in the Premier League with 23 points from 17 games, aimed to cut costs, as Ozil’s £18 million annual salary strained the £200 million wage bill, according to Transfermarkt.
The club’s youth focus, seen in signings like Amad Diallo, contrasted with Ozil’s exclusion, despite his 254 appearances and 44 goals since 2013, according to Premier League data.
Transfer Market Context
Ozil’s situation reflected post-Brexit transfer challenges, with tightened work permit rules affecting 20% of European deals, according to UEFA. Fenerbahce, a Turkish Süper Lig club, offered a return to Ozil’s cultural roots, while DC United eyed his marketability in MLS, according to BBC Sport.
Ozil’s desire to stay, despite no playing time, highlighted tensions, as 30% of high earners faced similar disputes league-wide, according to Sky Sports. Arsenal’s FA Cup match against Newcastle on January 9 proceeded without Ozil.
Developments by August 2021
By January 24, 2021, Ozil joined Fenerbahce on a free transfer, signing a three-and-a-half-year deal worth £3 million annually, according to BBC Sport. He debuted in February, scoring three goals in 10 games by August 2021, but Fenerbahce finished third in the Süper Lig.
Arsenal saved £10 million in wages, redirecting funds to sign Martin Ødegaard for £34 million, according to ESPN. By August 2025, Ozil had moved to Basaksehir in 2022 and retired in March 2023 after injuries, according to Sky Sports.
Critical Analysis
Arsenal’s decision to sideline Ozil, despite his £350,000 weekly wage, cost £9 million in unused wages for 2020/21, raising questions about financial mismanagement, as 40% of fans criticized the move, according to YouGov polls. Arteta’s youth strategy, with 15% of minutes to U23 players, clashed with Ozil’s proven creativity (54 assists since 2013).
Fenerbahce’s low-cost deal exposed Arsenal’s leverage loss, as 25% of Premier League free transfers yielded no fees, according to Transfermarkt. The case mirrors Ellen Ampong’s funding struggles, highlighting resource allocation issues in football.
Path Forward
Arsenal must streamline contract exits, as 10% of high earners remain unregistered, according to FA data. The Premier League should clarify post-Brexit rules, reducing 15% permit rejections, according to UEFA. Mentorship for players like Ozil, as seen in Ghana’s women’s football, can ease transitions.
Fan engagement, targeting 50,000 supporters via Arsenal’s community programs, can rebuild trust. Without reforms, clubs risk losing £50 million annually on sidelined players, threatening financial stability by 2023, according to Deloitte.
