The Gunnersaurus in happier times [Pic: FlickR/Wonker]

ARSENAL star Mesut Ozil has offered to pay for club mascot,  Gunnersaurus, to stay after it was reported that the club had made the man who dons the giant dino suit on matchdays redundant.

Amid outcry at the decision to cut ties, Ozil, who has been out of favour with manager Mikel Arteta and not featured in a starting line-up for months, has said he would “reimburse” the wages of Jerry Quy for as long as he remains an Arsenal player.

The 31-year-old, who reportedly earns £350,000 a week, said on Twitter: “I was so sad that Jerry Quy, aka our famous and loyal mascot Gunnersaurus and integral part of our club, was being made redundant after 27 years.

“As such, I’m offering to reimburse Arsenal with the full salary of our big green guy as long as I will be an Arsenal player so Jerry can continue his job that he loves so much.”

Gunners legend Ian Wright and Good Morning Britain host Piers Morgan were among the thousands of supporters who yesterday (Monday) also backed calls for Arsenal to bring back Mr Quy.

Steve Kell, of the Arsenal Supporters Club, told the Tribune: “I am hoping the club had just put Gunnersaurus into hibernation and that he will be back when fans come back. They would be mad not to bring him back.”

He added: “To be honest, I would rather Ozil left. I think Gunnsersaurus has played more minutes this year than Ozil and he definitely doesn’t cost as much.”

The club announced earlier this year that 55 non-playing members of staff would lose their jobs as part of Covid-19 cost-cutting measures.

Arsenal have been approached for comment.