Mesut Ozil set to become highest paid Arsenal player ever
Mesut Ozil is set to break an Arsenal record
Arsenal fans will soon lose the ability to blame their team’s struggles on the club’s refusal to spend big on player salaries. Mesut Ozil is set to become the highest paid player in club history.
Reports from Germany claim that Ozil has agreed to an extension with the Gunners in principle. There are still a couple of issues to be worked out between the two sides, but nothing that’s expected to scupper the deal.
First, Ozil is insisting that he be given the club’s number 10 jersey. Jack Wilshere held the honor previously, but given his current status with the club, it seems likely that Ozil will get his way. Expect the German international to wear the number 10 kit sooner, rather than later.
The other remaining issue is the length of the extension. Ozil’s representatives are willing to sign a two-year extension, while Arsene Wenger and company prefer a three-year deal. I’m not sure which side will capitulate here, but I can’t see the year difference derailing such an important agreement.
What’s not up for debate, is the reality that Ozil is set to receive a substantial pay raise. His new deal will take his wages from 160 thousand pounds per week all the way to 230 thousand. That will make him the first Arsenal player to break the 200 thousand pound wage barrier. Obviously, that also means he’ll become the highest paid player in club history.
Full credit goes to Wenger and company for refusing to let their frugality get in the way of the club’s future. Tying Ozil down to a new deal was an absolute necessity for the Gunners’ future. Losing him would have been an unmitigated disaster for the North London club. Instead, they can now tout their ambition after locking their midfield talisman down for the long haul.
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