What’s next for Ozil’s No.10 shirt at Arsenal after Lacazette promise

Although Fenerbache are yet to officially announce Mesut Ozil’s arrival, the German has confirmed that his Arsenal career will end imminently.

Ozil travelled to Turkey over the weekend, where he is set to complete a medical ahead of his free transfer.

Speaking to NTV, Ozil said: "I am so happy. I'm a Fenerbahce fan. God wanted me to play football in Fenerbahce. I'm proud.

“I am coming tonight with my family to Istanbul, thank God who gave me the opportunity to represent this club. I will wear the shirt with pride.”

The German’s departure will not only free up a hefty chunk on the wage bill – he is reportedly taking a significant cut on his current wage of £350,000-per-wee – he will also leave the iconic No.10 at The Emirates vacant.

Mikel Arteta opted to ostracise him from the senior squad at the Gunners, leaving him out of his Premier League and Europa League squads.

However, he did retain the shirt number that he picked up from Jack Wilshere in 2018.

His move may not have been confirmed, but news of his impending move has already sparked a scramble at London Colney.

Alexandre Lacazette posted on social media, admitting that he and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would fancy taking Ozil’s number.

"When you both want the number 10,” he said, alongside a picture of him and his Gunners teammate.

Aubameyang then gave the green light for the Frenchman to take it, writing: "They said they put it away. All yours my bro.”

Lacazette then tagged Ozil to make him a promise, writing: "It will be in good care," with smiling and heart emojis.

Unfortunately for the striker, he will be made to wait, after Arteta handed him the No.9 shirt at the start of the season.

Have Arsenal made the right decision in allowing Mesut Ozil to leave? Have your say here.

There is no precedent for mid-season swaps and would require special dispensation from the Premier League to change – and that appears very unlikely.

With that being said, even if they were given an allowance, it would leave huge swathes of disgruntled fans, who would now have an out of date, back of shirt.

What appears more likely at this juncture, is if Arteta can replace the ex-Real Madrid superstar, he could not only take his place in the squad, but pick up his number.

Should that happen, Lacazette could be stuck with his current number for the long haul, despite promising his old teammate he would take “good care” of his.

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