- Arsenal staff are growing concerned over Mesut Ozil's lack of effort this season
- Ozil was partly at fault for Tom Cleverley's winner for Watford against Arsenal
- The German's contract at Arsenal is set to expire at the end of the campaign
- Arsenal are actively trying to find a January buyer to avoid losing him for nothing
Arsenal are actively trying to find a January buyer for Mesut Ozil amid growing concerns over his motivation.
A number of the attacker’s team-mates are convinced Ozil’s days at the Emirates Stadium are numbered and that it is inevitable he will not extend his contract.
Sportsmail understands that Arsenal staff are growing increasingly worried at the Germany star’s lack of application so far this season as he runs down the remaining eight months of his contract.
Arsene Wenger refused to criticise Ozil for his part in Watford’s winner against the Gunners on Sunday when his lame attempt to shield the ball eventually to Tom Cleverley’s stoppage time winner.
But behind-the-scenes, there was fury at the midfielder’s poor defensive work in the lead up to Watford’s goal.
It isn’t the first time Ozil’s desire has been questioned. Sources claim his effort in training has dropped significantly in recent months; the dip even been noticed by players.
Having made his return from a knee injury after coming on as a late substitute against West Bromwich on September 25, the 29-year-old was then unavailable for next two games against BATE Borisov and Brighton - though his absence was blamed on injury
And after his return to fitness, Ozil - the club’s second most expensive signing in history - was named on the bench for the weekend defeat at Vicarage Road.
With Wenger preferring the industry of Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi to Ozil’s craft against Watford - and with Alexis Sanchez still to return from a slight thigh injury - it remains to be seen how significant a role the former Real Madrid will have in the coming weeks.
Ozil’s diminishing importance to the Gunners means the club would rather sell the German in January rather than lose him for nothing in next summer.
With that in mind, Arsenal are trying to identify potential destinations for Ozil ahead of the winter transfer window as they look to avoid the possibility of losing him on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are hopeful Welbeck’s latest injury is not serious following a scan on Monday.
The England star, on his return to action following a four week lay-off with a groin injury, limped off against Watford with a hamstring problem.
Laurent Koscielny, who came off with cramp at the weekend, is expected to be available for the weekend game against Everton.
So too are Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey who missed the loss against the Hornets with respective thigh and hamstring injuries.
