Mesut Ozil’s agent explains decision to refuse Arsenal pay cut

Former Arsenal Mesut Ozil refused to take a pay cut during the Covid-19 pandemic while at the Emirates Stadium and Gabriel Martinelli made a difference off the bench for Brazil

Mesut Ozil’s departure from Arsenal was far from a pleasant one and his agent has since come out and discussed why his client didn’t take a pay cut.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Martinelli has continued to develop since joining the Gunners and earned his first senior Brazil call-up during the current international break. The selection was fully deserved and he rewarded national manager Tite by playing a part in one of the goals during Brazil’s 4-0 win against Bolivia on Tuesday night.

In demand Nottingham Forest full back Djed Spence has given an update on where his next move will be with Arsenal interested in a summer move.

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Ozil’s pay cut explained

Mesut Ozil was much loved by Arsenal fans when he arrived from Real Madrid in 2013 at the end of that summer’s transfer window.

But by the end, the German playmaker was frozen out by manager Mikel Arteta and his relationship with the fans had soured dramatically. Part of the reason fans grew angry with Ozil was that the player refused to take a pay cut during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The majority of the players agreed on a 12.5 per cent reduction.

And Ozil’s agent has since clarified why his client held firm on his wishes to stay on the same wage.

Read the full story here.

Martinelli’s international role

Gabriel Martinelli burst onto the football scene when he joined Arsenal and impressed immediately in 2019.

Three years later and the Brazilian is a full first-team member at only 20 and earned his first Brazil call up during the recent international break, making his debut against Chile last week from the bench and did the same against Bolivia on Tuesday night. In his most recent international appearance, the forward played a role in the team’s third goal.

Martinelli’s involvement showed why he is so highly regarded at both club and international level.

Read the full story here.

Spence’s transfer update

Djed Spence has emerged as one of the brightest prospects in the Championship and played a key role in Nottingham Forest’s FA Cup run.

The young England right back is currently on loan from Middlesbrough but is unlikely to return to his parent club given how in demand he is. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have all shown interest in acquiring the 21-year-old for around £20million this summer and Spence has given an update on where his next move could be.

The on loan star made his debut for the England Under-21 side on Tuesday night and said it was his ‘ambition’ to play at the highest level.

Read the full story here.