LONDON: Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has offered to pay Gunnersaurus’ salary to allow him to continue to be a mascot after falling victim to a cost cut due to COVID-19.

Jerry Quy served as Arsenal’s mascot for 27 years but had to be released on a ‘transfer deadline’ as no supporters were allowed to go to the stadium to watch the match.

A fundraising site was built for Arsenal’s loyal supporters but now Ozil has promised to pay Gunnersaurus’ salary as long as he remains at the club.

Through Instagram, Ozil wrote: “I am very sad that Jerry Quy or our popular and famous mascot – Gunnersaurus who became part of our club, is no longer needed after 27 years.

“Because of that, I offer to pay back Arsenal with the full salary of our green character, as long as I am an Arsenal player. So Jerry can continue to do the job he loves so much.”

Several Arsenal supporters have already spoken out about the club’s decision with former Gunners star Paul Merson admitting it was “sad”.