Former Arsenal favourite takes cheeky swipe at Arteta’s Ozil omission

Ex-Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has had his say on the club’s decision to leave Mesut Ozil out of their 25-man Premier League squad. 

It was announced on Tuesday that Ozil had not been included in Mikel Arteta’s plans for the 2020/21 season.

That comes after the German had not been selected to play since football resumed in England after the enforced break due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He had been expected to leave the Emirates during the summer transfer window. However, he did not pursue a move away and will now see out the final year of his contract.

That decision means Ozil will likely spend the full campaign kicking his heels with his Gunners career seemingly all but over.

His exclusion from the squad has split opinion, with Ian Wright admitting he is “sad” to see Ozil frozen out. Others, though, have praised Arteta for only including players who are willing to buy into his approach.

Now Wilshere, who played alongside Ozil for five years, has made it clear he disagrees with the choice his former employers have made.

Replying to Gary Lineker’s claim that being left out will be “soul destroying” for Ozil, Wilshere tweeted: “Spot on Gary, especially when you are the best player!”

Arteta explains reasons for Ozil decision

Following the debate caused by Ozil’s omission, Arsenal boss Arteta has moved to explain why he will not be involved.

The Spanish coach was keen to stress that he felt Ozil had been given just as much of a chance as other members of the squad to prove his worth.

And while Ozil was a regular under after he was first appointed, Arteta says his latest decision “is just a football decision.”

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