Paul Merson believes Ozil could flourish if he partnered up with Thomas Partey in midfield.
Mesut Ozil, the club’s highest-paid player is not included in the Premier League and Europa League squad.
The Gunners are crying out for creativity in the midfield and former legend Paul Merson believes Arteta could bring back Ozil to the starting XI to pair up with Partey and create chances for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Co.
Merson told Sky Sports: ‘For me, Mesut Ozil comes back in the team if Thomas Partey is fit. Partey gets around the pitch, dominates the midfield and dictates the game. Him playing opens up a chance for Ozil.
‘At the moment, Arsenal have nobody in there to provide the forwards. You can make runs all day long, but if you’re a centre forward, your runs are only as good as the players playing behind you.
‘When these Arsenal players are getting the ball in midfield, with time, is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang making the run? Is he confident they are going to see his run and are capable of getting that ball through the eye of a needle?
‘I’d say no, so they need creativity. Fernando Torres made runs when Steven Gerrard got the ball. They didn’t even have to look.
‘Teams are sitting back against Arsenal, and they don’t have the creativity in midfield to break them down.
‘If Partey doesn’t play, Ozil can’t play. Without Partey, Arsenal are not going to dictate the midfield, and then can’t afford to play with 10 men. But if Arsenal have the midfield, and Ozil is playing behind Aubameyang, with two flying wingers. You ask the back four to stay still, including the full backs.’
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