Why Arsenal should consider offloading Mesut Ozil

He's on the bench one day, he's sick the next day, and he is captaining Arsenal the day after that. That pretty much sums up Mesut Ozil's situation at Arsenal.

With just 18 appearances in all competitions and 4 goals, he hasn't been performing as we expect him to. Signed in 2013, it is very debatable his signing was a success.

His public relations team is doing a good job on social media with regular positive posts alongside his Arsenal teammates. Yet, Ozil himself cannot be too happy, starting matches against small teams and cup matches, with Emery benching him or leaving him out entirely from the squad in major encounters.

Disappearing act again?

Ozil is contracted till 2021, but it would be a huge surprise if he stays till the end of the contract with all signs pointing to a quick summer exit. Ozil turns 31 this year and his stock is falling with increasing injuries and below par performances.

He doesn't fit into Emery's style of play, which requires mobile midfielders with a high press. 'Lazy' Ozil doesn't fit into this philosophy. So, unless Emery leaves the club, Ozil has only a bit part to play. Emery is here to stay, but Ozil doesn't look like he is.

Most importantly, Arsenal isn't going to pay a bit part player £350,000 a week. He is by far Arsenal's top earner and with the new FFP regulations in place, Arsenal needs to sell him to retain a sustainable wage structure.

Arsenal can only increase the percentage of their wages, which makes it hard to sign world class players. Selling Ozil will free up much-needed funds for signing at-least two or three players who will contribute more to Arsenal's resurgence back to the top where they belong.

Mesut Ozil's girlfriend lives in Turkey and he makes frequent visits there to meet her. There are several clubs from Turkey including Besiktas who are interested in signing him, and it would be a good move for all parties.