Paul Merson commented on Arsenal’s long-lost star as the club excludes him from the Premier League team roster.
Arsenal’s conclusion to not include Mesut Ozil in the Premier League team squad could turn out badly according to Paul Merson.
Evidently, the German international did not appear for the Gunners since before lockdown. Subsequently, on Tuesday, Arsenal affirmed that Ozil will not play for the season 2020-21.
Moreover, the midfielder also missed his spot in the Europa League squad. This means that Ozil will not see any action with Arsenal until February next year.
Furthermore, his agreement will terminate at the end of this season next year. Shockingly so, Ozil might have played his last game for the club already.
Earlier on Wednesday, the playmaker posted on social media saying “loyalty is hard to come by”.
A long-lost star.
However, Merson believes that Ozil possesses the potential to make a difference for Arsenal.
“He’s an absolute talent. So, to keep him out of the squad, completely out of the squad, it’s a big gamble by Arsenal,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“He’s on massive wages, no doubting that. He gets fortunes. I’m surprised, it shocked me. When I was told that he’d been left out of the squad I was shocked if I’m being honest because I am one of his biggest fans.”
In addition, Merson reminded that Ozil’s contribution is quite significant between December and March last season. He started in 10 straight Premier League fixtures for Arsenal.
“I think when he’s on song, he can play and you’ve got to remember just before lockdown, he was playing,” the former Arsenal star added.
“He was playing in Arteta’s team so for him to come back and then not be in the team and not even get a squad place, yeah I’m quite surprised.”
Apparently, Ozil is the top-paid player in the club earning £350,000 per week. Though, Merson thinks that the German is not content to sit on the bench and collect money.
“It’s a shame and a sad day for Arsenal. It’s a sad day for him if I’m being honest,” Merson said.
“People go, ‘Oh yeah but he’s on 350 grand, what does he care?’ You want to play football. You know when you get to my age and you’re not playing football anymore. It soon goes.”
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