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Mesut Ozil is among three Arsenal players in refusing to join the vast majority of teammates in taking a 12.5% pay-cut.
The former Germany international wants to wait and see how football’s financial crisis during the coronavirus lockdown plays out at Arsenal before deciding whether to follow the example set by his club teammates.
It is claimed the playmaker who earns £350,000-a-week has been joined by two other Arsenal teammates who have rejected taking a pay cut after the club became the first to agree a 12.5 per cent wage reduction during the coronavirus lockdown.
Mesut Ozil under fire over reports he has refused to take a pay cut during the COVID-19 pandemic
Arsenal confirmed the club will not be taking up the government’s furlough scheme and intend to pay staff during the global crisis.
The club, however, are looking to reduce their £230m wage to avoid future financial difficulties – the players are set to take a 12.5 per cent drop for 12 months until March next year.
It is thought owner Stank Kroenke will provide a fresh cash injection in order to avoid major financial issue in the coming years – something the the American billionaire has not been keen to do during his tenure as majority shareholder.
Ozil has consistently carried out charitable work over the years alongside wife Amine, including paying for 1,000 kids’ operations, feeding 100,000 homeless people and being an ambassador for Rays of Sunshine, a children’s charity that brightens the lives of seriously ill children by granting individual and hospital wishes.
Piers Morgan slams Mesut Ozil decision to reject pay cut
The German has not ruled out taking a pay cut in the future if the situation plays out in a way that the move becomes unavoidable, but though he has expressed his respect for the rest of the squad’s decision, he has asked them to do the same with his.
If the Gunners hit certain targets on the pitch, the club says “agreed amounts” will be paid back.
“We will be able to make those repayments as hitting these targets, which the players can directly influence, will mean our financial position will be stronger,” Arsenal said (via BBC Sport).
“The agreement is based on the assumption we will finish the 2019-20 season and receive the full broadcasting revenues. The resulting savings will help cover some of the financial risks we have this season in relation to our matchday and commercial income.
“The move follows positive and constructive discussions. In these conversations there has been a clear appreciation of the gravity of the current situation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and a strong desire for players and staff to show their backing for the Arsenal family.
“We are proud and grateful to our players and staff for pulling together to support our club, our people and our community in these unprecedented times which are some of the most challenging we have faced in our history.”
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