Skip to content

Ballack: Ozil needs to leave Arsenal 'to win a major title'

Dylan Martinez / Reuters

Ex-Chelsea and Bayern Munich midfielder Michael Ballack believes Mesut Ozil will have to leave Arsenal if he is going to capture any major silverware before retirement.

Ballack suggested Ozil would have a significantly greater chance of winning domestic and European titles if he joins German giant Bayern Munich.

"Mesut is an amazing player. He knows that he is one of the undisputed stars at Arsenal. A lot of clubs would love to have him," Ballack said in an interview with Bild, as relayed by the Telegraph's Callum Davis.

Ozil is under contract with the Gunners until the summer of 2018, and with no recent contract extension at the Emirates, the door may be open for the German to leave if he wishes.

But the playmaker recently expressed his desire to sign a new deal under Arsene Wenger, with the remaining points of contention reportedly being his targeted weekly wage (£200,000) and manager Arsene Wenger's contract.

Ozil's countryman Ballack said the talented midfielder must leave north London and return to his homeland if he has ambitions of hoisting more trophies.

"He lives in London, one of the most beautiful cities ever. To this end, Arsenal is a club that has an incredible impact on the world," Ballack explained.

"If you are a top player in England, the cult around you is bigger than in Germany. You are treated more respectfully, especially. These are all reasons for an extension. But if he wants to win a major title, he has a bigger chance to achieve that at Bayern."

Wenger already openly admitted Arsenal may have to splash the cash in order to keep the 28-year-old star.

"I don't think he needs convincing. He wants to stay here. But if you have a good bank, call me," Wenger said.

"It's not just money. Arsenal can win titles of course. But that's what we have to show. We are in a league where Man City, Man United, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, everybody fights, and you cannot guarantee that to anybody.

"We keep that (negotiations) discreet. At due time we will come out with that. We want to keep our best players, of course. But the more I say that, the more he is in a stronger position!"

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox