Unai Emery has denied reports of a rift between himself and Arsenal’s star midfielder, Mesut Ozil.
“I have a very good relationship with Mesut,” said Emery. “I push him for improvements to give us the best in his qualities and performances”
Pundits and supports have questioned if the often languid Ozil will be able to adapt to his new manager's tactics as Emery seeks to impose a high-intensity, high-pressing style on the team.
This week, reports have linked Ozil with a move to Fenerbahçe. There are doubts, however, about the Turkish side’s ability to meet Ozil’s reported £350,000-per week salary, or to meet any transfer fee Arsenal would demand for a player they bought for £42.4 million in 2013 and who signed a new contract at the end of last season.
Ozil, who is of Turkish descent, retired from international football after the World Cup and claimed he was the victim of racist abuse following Germany’s poor performance at the tournament in Russia.
As the rest of the squad returns from spending time with their national teams, Emery thinks Arsenal could benefit from Ozil’s change in circumstances who enjoyed three days rest over the weekend and returned to training with his focus “totally here.”
Two up front for Arsenal?
Emery would not be drawn on whether he will start both Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Lacazette against Newcastle on Saturday
Both strikers started, and both scored, in Arsenal’s last game, a 3-2 win away to Cardiff, but that was the first time this season they’ve been in the starting line-up together.
“It's a process to know the combination on the pitch,” Emery said. “ I want to push every player to be okay to help the team if for one minute, 30 minutes or half-time or 90 minutes.”
On the 21st anniversary of Ian Wright becoming Arsenal’s all-time leading goalscorer - a feat since surpassed by Thierry Henry - it appears Arsenal fans are no closer to knowing who their next top striker will be.
Sign him up!
One player who has convinced the manager of his worth to the team is Nacho Monreal. The manager today urged the club’s hierarchy to sign the left-back to a new contract.
“For me, [it] is very important. I think we need to find a new contract with him to stay with the Arsenal team.”
Emery first became aware of Monreal when they were both in Spain, but said the defender has improved dramatically in his six years in North London.
“I knew Nacho Monreal in Spain when he was playing in Osasuna and in Malaga. After six years here, I came and I know him as a new Nacho Monreal,” said Emery. “I am very happy with him because he is 32 years old but I think physically, with his performances with us in matches, he is playing with a very good level.”
Arsenal’s next match is away to Newcastle on Saturday. KO 3 pm.
