Arsenal stars Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Torreira react to blunt Mesut Ozil statement

Arsenal stars Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Torreira appear to have thrown their support behind exiled midfielder Mesut Ozil after the German was left out of Mikel Arteta’s 25-man Premier League squad this week.

Ozil was the most notable absentee from Arsenal’s Premier League squad, having already missed out on the Europa League list.

The German’s time at the club appears to be nearing the end, with nothing to suggest he will be offered an extension past the expiration of his current contract, which runs out next summer.

Ozil hasn’t played any part this season, and the last time he graced a pitch was back in March before the lockdown.

After the Premier League season resumed, Ozil was included in matchday squads for games against Brighton and Southampton, but failed to make it off the bench.

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Arsenal stars Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Torreira react to blunt Mesut Ozil statement (Image: GETTY)

This summer, there was speculation that Arsenal were keen to offload him – considering his £350,000-per-week salary is the highest at the club.

However, due to the size of his contract, takers were few and far between, and it now seems he will walk away for free next year instead.

The player himself is clearly keen to stay at the Emirates, and posted an emotional message on Twitter after the squad list was announced.

In the statement, he criticised Arsenal for showing a lack of loyalty to him, and expressed that London still feels like home to him, while vowing to continue to fight to regain his place in the team.

The post, which he also shared on Instagram, was liked by current Arsenal defender Mustafi, who he has also played alongside for the German national side.

Lucas Torreira, who was offloaded by Arteta to Atletico Madrid this summer, also liked the post, as did former Gunners Alex Iwobi and Santi Cazorla.

Torreira was also frozen out under Arteta, having played a bit-part role towards the end of last campaign, though he failed to make any appearances this season.

In Ozil’s statement, he appeared to give his support to the Arsenal manager, explaining that he felt good with the way the team developed after his appointment.

Arsenal stars Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Torreira react to blunt Mesut Ozil statement (Image: REACH PLC)

He wrote: “This is a difficult message to write to the Arsenal fans that I’ve not played for over the past few years.

“I’m really deeply disappointed by the fact that I’ve not been registered for the Premier League season for the time being.

“Upon signing my new contract in 2018, I pledged my loyalty and allegiance to the club that I love, Arsenal, and it saddens me that this has not been reciprocated. “As I have just found out, loyalty is hard to come by nowadays.

“I’ve always tried to remain positive from week to week that there’s maybe a chance to get back in the squad soon again. That’s why I kept silent so far.

Arsenal stars Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Torreira react to blunt Mesut Ozil statement (Image: GETTY)

“Before the Coronavirus break I was really happy with the development under our new coach Mikel Arteta – we’ve been on a positive way I would say my performances were on a really good level.

“But then things changed, again, and I was no longer allowed to play football for Arsenal. What else can I say?

“London still feels like home, I still have many good friends in this team, and I still feel a strong connection with the fans of the club.

“No matter what, I will keep fighting for my chance and not let my 8th season at Arsenal end like this.

“I can promise you that this hard decision won’t change anything in my mindset – I will continue to train as best as I can and wherever possible use my voice against inhumanity and for justice.”

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