Mikel Arteta is set to take charge of his first fixture since being named Arsenal boss on Boxing day when they visit A.F.C Bournemouth. The trip to the South Coast will be an important one in determining where some players futures lie with the Gunners, multiple members of the squad could be set to be side-lined, or part of the Spaniard’s plans, chief amongst them is Mesut Ozil.
The former German international is an increasingly controversial figure for his stance upon leaving the national side, varying degrees of success in the Arsenal starting eleven, as well as recently speaking out on political issues in China. The club distanced themselves from the players’ statement, but it is not yet known what Arteta’s stance on the player’s situation is, Boxing day could go a long way to discovering whether Ozil’s future lies in North London or not.
If Arteta were to start the German, it would be a statement of great intent. While Ozil has often performed admirably against sides such as the Cherries, it is at the most critical moments his ability and mentality have come into question. Arteta witnessed just that first hand in Arsenal’s last fixture with Freddie Ljungberg at the helm when Manchester City crushed the Gunners 3-0. The Spaniard was in the opposite dugout and will not have been impressed with Arsenal’s former record signing’s performance, especially the scenes when he was substituted.
Alternatively, leaving the German out of the starting eleven could be somewhat controversial. It would send the message that Ozil was not in Arteta’s plans, which may bring into question his situation as one of Arsenal’s highest-paid players. Instantly rumours may intensify that the German could leave in January; currently, it has been reported he is very close to joining Turkish side Fenerbahce. Even if he is not a large part of the manager’s immediate plans, it might be wise to include the player in some capacity to suppress the media fanfare surrounding his situation.
Ultimately it is down to Arteta to handle the Ozil situation how he sees fit. But it will be fascinating to see how this first-time manager attempts to fix a situation which two experienced bosses before him failed to deal with.
