Mikel Arteta has effectively ruled out a January exit for Mesut Ozil.
Prior to the Spaniard's appointment as head coach, the future of the 31-year-old was once again the hot topic around the Emirates Stadium.
On Thursday, the former Germany international was being linked with a move to Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce, having only featured 11 times so far this season for the Gunners in all competitions.
The report claimed that he was set to join the Turkish outfit on loan for the remainder of the season once the January transfer window opens.
However, Arteta's comments about Ozil would suggest that the attacking midfielder won't be going anywhere next month and that he could be a key player during the second half of the season.
"He's a massive player for this football club. I want to understand how they’re feeling and what they need," Arteta said during his first press conference as Arsenal head coach.
"He’s a massive player.
"I worked with him and I know when he ticks what he can bring to the team.
"My job is to get the best out of him."
Interestingly, Ozil was the first Arsenal player to welcome Arteta back to the club.
In a message posted to his official Twitter account, he said: "Welcome back to the Arsenal family!"
Furthermore, Ozil has gone on record stating he intends to see out his contract which doesn't expire until 2021.
"I have a contract until the summer of 2021 and I will be staying until then," he said in an interview with The Athletic. "When I signed the new deal, I thought about it very carefully and said it was one of the most important decisions of my footballing career.
"I didn’t want to stay for just one or two more years, I wanted to commit my future to Arsenal and the club wanted me to do the same. You can go through difficult times, like this, but that is no reason to run away and I’m not going to. I’m here until at least 2021."
