haaland shirt Mertesacker – a former team-mate of the enigmatic midfielder with club and country – has now sought to explain why a man that Arsenal once broke their transfer record to sign is edging his way towards free agency in 2021 with no obvious role to play.
Former Gunners captainMertesacker, who is now the club’s academy manager, told the Klick and Rush podcast: “A lot has changed away from the pitch.
“He got married, has a family… perhaps his focus has changed.
“Nevertheless, he is still happy and happy to play football.
“He’s the only player I’ve played with for three teams – Bremen, Arsenal and also Germany.So, I’m very sorry that he’s currently in a situation where he’s not really used.”
Arteta also took to leaving Greek defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos out of his Europa League plans, with summer moves being mooted for those on the fringes of his fold, but the Spaniard says the door is not being completely closed on anyone in north London.
He has said: “I spoke to them [Sokratis and cheap childrens football kits Ozil] face to face before I released the squad and I explained the reason why the numbers that we had.