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Arsenal stuck with overpaid Ozil as transfer window closes

The World Cup winner was linked with a move away from the Emirates in January but a buyer was not found due to his massive salary

After last week's FA Cup loss to Manchester United, Arsenal manager Unai Emery was asked why Mesut Ozil had not started at the Emirates.

The Spaniard's response was curt: "He played."

Factually correct but also a fittingly terse summation of Ozil's situation at Arsenal right now.

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He played. He made an appearance. He was not a game-changer, not the first name on the teamsheet, not even guaranteed to make the squad.