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Tuesday's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup: William Saliba, Mesut Ozil

Tuesday's Arsenal transfer talk: Saliba, Ozil
© Reuters
Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer talk for Arsenal on Tuesday, July 21.

The buildup to the summer transfer window has now begun, with rumours and speculation continuing to swirl as Arsenal eye possible reinforcements.

The Gunners spent more than many expected during the summer - most notably their club-record purchase of Nicolas Pepe - but were more reserved in January as they focused on bolstering their defensive options.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up the latest news on possible comings and goings at the Emirates Stadium.

Tuesday morning's Arsenal transfer talk news roundup:


Arsenal's Mesut Ozil 'rejects Fenerbahce bid'

Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil remonstrates with the referee on December 29, 2019© Reuters

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has reportedly turned down an offer from Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce.

The German playmaker will see his deal at the Emirates run out next summer and Ozil is yet to feature since the restart - leading to widespread speculation linking the player with a move away during the transfer window.

However, the former Real Madrid man is supposedly desperate to see out the remainder of his contract in North London, and Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has hinted that Ozil could still have a future at Arsenal.

However, Fenerbahce have been strongly linked with a swoop for the 31-year-old in recent weeks, but according to Bild, Ozil has rejected the Turkish outfit's advances.

The report claims that Ozil is keen to fight for his spot at Arsenal and is set on staying put until next year, and the German's mammoth £350,000-a-week wages were also thought to hinder negotiations with Fenerbahce.

Ozil has amassed 44 goals from 254 appearances for the Gunners since arriving in 2013, but the midfielder has only mustered one goal and two assists from 18 Premier League outings this term.



Mikel Arteta: 'Mesut Ozil, Matteo Guendouzi still have a future at Arsenal'

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil in action on February 27, 2020© Reuters

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has hinted both Mesut Ozil and Matteo Guendouzi may have a future at the club – pointing to Granit Xhaka's own remarkable turnaround as an example.

While Guendouzi continues to be left out after his antics in the defeat at Brighton last month, Ozil has yet to kick a ball since the season resumed.

Arteta has given short shrift to any questions asked about a potential return for the pair, with neither being named in any of the past seven matchday squads.

Guendouzi is reportedly training alone following his bust-up with Brighton's Neal Maupay, with his temperament believed to be a concern to Arteta, who has likewise left Ozil – the club's highest-earner – on the sidelines for the past 10 games.

Matteo Guendouzi (left) has not played for Arsenal since a full-time bust-up following the defeat at Brighton.
Matteo Guendouzi (left) has not played for Arsenal since a full-time bust-up following the defeat at Brighton. (Mike Hewitt/NMC POOL)

While the writing may appear to be on the wall with regards to their respective futures at the club, Arteta spoke of another player who has overcome difficult times in recent months.

Former boss Unai Emery stripped Xhaka of the captaincy after he swore at Arsenal fans while being substituted during a draw with Crystal Palace in October.

Xhaka's relationship with supporters has been mixed since his arrival in 2016 but, under Arteta, his performances have improved and he has become a major part of the side.

"The challenge with Granit was to convince him that there was still a place for him here, that I had big belief in him and that things can turn around pretty quickly in this industry," Arteta said when asked about Xhaka's return to form.

"He had to send the right messages, first of all he had to believe that he could do it and if that was the case we were going to support him all the way through. I am really glad to hear and sense as well the reaction from the fans towards him.

"If you are willing and if you are consistent and you really want to do it there is always a way back."

Pushed on whether Ozil and Guendouzi could return if they show both the willing and consistency Arteta called for, the 38-year-old said: "That applies for any player and any member of the staff. All players know this.

"If you show that, that you decide to do the best not only for yourself but for the team and for the club, I think everyone will welcome you.

"It's not just me that needs to give the green light, it's everybody that has to be supportive. You need to feel that support from everybody because otherwise it's a very uncomfortable situation."

Granit Xhaka's recent performances have earned praise from Arteta.
Granit Xhaka's recent performances have earned praise from Arteta. (Mike Egerton/NMC POOL)

Arsenal are also increasingly confident of extending Dani Ceballos' loan move from Real Madrid for a further year.

The 23-year-old joined last summer on a season-long loan and has impressed of late, with Arteta stressing how keen he would be to keep the Spain international at the club.

The PA news agency understands that is likely to be the case, with a loan move suiting all parties and Ceballos staying in north London for the 2020/21 campaign.

Arteta's side take on Aston Villa on Tuesday night fresh on the heels of an FA Cup semi-final victory over Manchester City.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck twice to secure a record 21st FA Cup final appearance for Arsenal – who had beaten Premier League champions Liverpool just three days earlier.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice as Arsenal beat Manchester City to reach the FA Cup final.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored twice as Arsenal beat Manchester City to reach the FA Cup final. (Justin Tallis/NMC POOL)

Aubameyang is another player whose future at the Emirates Stadium remains unclear – as his current contract expires next summer.

Speaking after the semi-final win, Arteta said he hoped such victories could convince his captain to sign a new deal and now he is keen for that agreement to come sooner rather than later.

"When I was talking about the uncertainty we have on the table, obviously he is one of them," added Arteta.

"There is another one of obviously where we are going to finish and whether we play in Europe or not which is going to have an impact and all the situations with the market and how it is going to develop.

"With Auba, I think I have been very clear what I want – the quicker we do it, for me personally, the better because the player will be more focused, more determined and more calm but we have to respect the timings as well and the needs the football club has."


More transfer news from Arsenal:

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Saint-Etienne defender William Saliba, on loan from Arsenal, pictured in February 2020
William Saliba returns to Arsenal after Saint-Etienne spell

Saint-Etienne confirm that William Saliba is returning to Arsenal after failing to agree a short-term extension to his loan spell. Read more.

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William Saliba in action for Saint-Etienne on October 3, 2019
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