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.
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.
maxm70
2
I respect him as a person and a fellow Muslim
@Gunners4ever Okay that's good.
Gunners4ever❤
1
@Gunners4ever Good . So have some respect for him.
I respect him as a person and a fellow Muslim
maxm70
2
Yeah that part about him is exemplary
@Gunners4ever Good . So have some respect for him.
Gunners4ever❤
1
@Gunners4ever Yes he does. Outside of Football he looks as a nice person, I have read many articles where he helps people through charity.
Yeah that part about him is exemplary
maxm70
2
Özil doesn't deserve any sympathy
@Gunners4ever Yes he does. Outside of Football he looks as a nice person, I have read many articles where he helps people through charity.
Gunners4ever❤
1
@Gunners4ever Am here. Reading all this makes me feel so sorry for him.
Özil doesn't deserve any sympathy
maxm70
2
@maxm70 come over here and see this.
@Gunners4ever Am here. Reading all this makes me feel so sorry for him.
Gunners4ever❤
1
The Once King of Assists👑
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@maxm70 come over here and see this.
hiybeloryz
1
go back realmadrid
El_Harun33
0
Go to MLS
El_Harun33
0
rooney deserves it but bruno didn't deserve it they just give him bruno penalty
Obax
1
Expel Zidane from this planet.
gunners without bullet fuckers
Gunners4ever❤
0
kick arteta aas
Expel Zidane from this planet.
Newamnpry
3
go back to real Madrid
Obax
2
kick arteta aas
Tusadirt
1
Arsenal didn't treat him well but he can make it again
Funadntuyz
0
y u feel arsenal strikers cant get running, no ozil no goals, Wenger was the best coach arsenal ever see, I knew arsenal cudnt beat crystal palace
Funadntuyz
1
arteta a ass, put ozil behind any striker with any good defensive mid field, he wud destroy any team
Funadntuyz
0
ozil is one of the best creative midfielder I have ever seen play, alot wud come for one season but his record shows he will be with the greats
Cocolex
0
sometimes the headlines of some.articles are annoying imagine calling this legend of assist outcast pls some respect for him with 1000 likes
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this like for you
Baeaeklorz
0
I'm just really disappointed with arsenal fc
emmanuelprecious
3
sometimes the headlines of some.articles are annoying imagine calling this legend of assist outcast pls some respect for him with 1000 likes
akinadesamson
3
wow
Gunners4ever❤
6
The Once King of Assists👑
Gunners4ever❤
0
I hope this distracting, irritating soap opera comes to an end so we can concentrate on the Real business of football...
Yeah!
Jubdeirs
1
I hope this distracting, irritating soap opera comes to an end so we can concentrate on the Real business of football...
dakelmyz
2
who cares?
Mose_9
1
I thought they were referring to unai emery
Ziuabilpu
4
Good
donilmpr
3
wow