Could this really be true, Arsenal fans?
Arsenal legend Martin Keown has suggested Mesut Ozil’s superb performance in the win over Everton yesterday could be due to the player’s desire to get a big transfer away from the club.
The Germany international has had a poor start to this season but put in a man-of-the-match display at Goodison Park yesterday, contributing a goal and an assist in a 5-2 Arsenal win.
READ MORE
Ozil transfer – the incredible reason he won’t sign a new contract is revealed
Manchester United transfer news
Arsenal transfer news
The Daily Mirror recently reported that Ozil was confident of sealing a surprise move to rivals Manchester United, and that he had even been open with his team-mates about his plans to move to Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old has been at Arsenal since 2013, but has often been on the end of criticism from former Gunners stars such as Keown.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Keown was full of praise for Ozil after the way he played at Everton, but couldn’t resist a sly mention of the fact that he may have been upping his game in order to get the move he wants.
‘I’ve been very critical of Ozil and I think rightly so,’ Keown was quoted in the Metro. ‘He’s suddenly turned up (at Everton) and was running with purpose and energy.
‘He hasn’t been closing people down but he did that today – he showed his class. His vision and calmness on the ball was superb.
‘He showed a willingness to get forward, he was playing with a different head on today. Is he playing for a move? Who knows? Who cares?’
Ozil’s agent was quoted on Sky Sports earlier this month suggesting a deal to stay at Arsenal could be edging closer, but this particular transfer saga remains wrapped up in mystery as seemingly lengthy contract talks have yet to yield any kind of agreement.