Mesut Ozil offers to pay salary for Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus

As James Olley explained for ESPN, Arsenal informed Quy on Monday that his role had been eliminated because of financial issues caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that has kept supporters out of English football venues since leagues first halted play in March. 

Ahead of that same day's transfer deadline, Arsenal spent £45 million to acquire midfielder Thomas Partey from La Liga side Atletico Madrid. The combination of those decisions angered supporters and outside observers, many of whom lashed out at Arsenal via social media. 

Ozil is Arsenal's highest earner and reportedly on £350,000 per week, but the 31-year-old is nevertheless an unlikely hero in this situation since he has publicly fallen out of favor with manager Mikel Arteta. Arteta hasn't played Ozil since before leagues suspended play because of the health crisis. 

Per Olley, Ozil refused to take a salary reduction earlier this year that would've helped offset monetary losses endured by the club. 

While it remains unknown when Premier League and other clubs in the country will permit spectators to return to stadiums, likely in reduced capacities, an Arsenal spokesperson told ESPN: 

"Gunnersaurus is not extinct and will return to action when fans are allowed back at matches."

The hope is that Quy will again play the role of Gunnersaurus whenever the mascot is allowed to greet players and supporters once again.