Arsenal are open to loaning Mesut Ozil in January but fear they will be unable to offload their top-earner.

Ozil only has a peripheral role under head coach Unai Emery, underlined by his omission from the match-day squad that travelled for Monday's draw at Manchester United.

Emery insisted Ozil was fit, but a decision was made for the World Cup winner not to travel.

Arsenal are open to loaning their top-earner Mesut Ozil to another club in January

Ozil has become a peripheral figure in the Arsenal system under head coach Unai Emery

The German's mammoth £350,000-per-week deal is proving a huge drain on the club's finances, particularly given his bit-part role under Emery.

Arsenal will consider permanent or loan offers for Ozil when the January window opens and would be willing to pay part of his wages to pave the way for his exit - but there is a concern the playmaker is ready to sit tight.

Despite his lack of playing time, Ozil is known to be settled in London - though the security fears that have engulfed his life since being attacked by two thugs in July are understood to have affected the former Real Madrid star.

And there are fears at Arsenal that moving Ozil, whose current deal doesn't expire until 2021, will be easier said than done in January.

Emery left Ozil out of Arsenal's match-day squad that travelled to Manchester on Monday

Despite his lack of playing time, German playmaker Ozil is known to be settled in London

Offloading the 30-year-old will help free up significant funds for the club's contract renewal drive - with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang the Gunners' priority.

The Gabon striker has been a sensation since arriving in January 2018. His goal at Old Trafford on Monday was his seventh of the season.

Talks are underway with Aubameyang, who already earns in the region of £200,000-per-week, over an extension.

The striker will be offered a substantial pay-rise to take him closer to Ozil's wage, while Sportsmail understands qualifying for the Champions League would trigger another salary rise in addition to a one-off bonus for qualifying for the competition.

The club are also in talks over extending Alexandre Lacazette's deal.