Mesut Ozil's situation at Arsenal is certainly an odd one. 

The German is their highest-paid player by some margin on a reported £350,000-a-week. But Under Unai Emery, he's struggling to get into the team.

The midfielder had been one of Arsenal's star players for almost six years, but under his new boss, Ozil has fallen way down the pecking order at the Emirates. 

He hasn't featured on the pitch since Boxing Day which has raised a few eyebrows, especially considering Emery has said that he can't afford new signings in January. 

Given the circumstances, it's rather strange that he's chosen to drop one of the club's biggest names, and that decision was questioned following a defeat to West Ham earlier this month. 

It's clear that Emery now sees Ozil as just another player and he's made it clear that if the midfielder isn't suited to the job required, he just won't play.  

DROPPING OZIL

Despite the awkward questions, he stuck to his guns again last weekend too, as Ozil failed to come off the bench during the 2-0 win against Chelsea.   

This time, the Spaniard's decision to omit his highest-paid star paid off as his side closed the gap to fourth spot to just three points. 

Still, things aren't looking great for Ozil, who's out in the cold right now. 

The strained relationship between the pair also looks even more odd considering the comments Ozil made back in September following a win against Newcastle. 

A GOOD RELATIONSHIP

"I've said in the past that I'm very, very happy to play for Arsenal and especially the new coach," he said after scoring his first goal of the season. 

"He knows what he wants. The team accepts that and all the team supports him and we have a good relationship with him."

Just a few months ago, it sounded like all was well between Ozil and his new manager.

So just what happened to push him out of Emery's plans remains a mystery for now.