Arsenal: Mikel Arteta says he’s been ‘fair’ with Mesut Ozil
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has missed a trick by not including Mesut Ozil in his squads for the first half of this season, according to former Gunners forward Paul Merson. Ozil has been left out of the Premier League and Europa League squads that Arteta submitted last month. That means the German cannot play in those competitions until squads are updated in February 2021 following the January transfer window.
"Because Kante was playing in that holding role, it gave Kai Havertz and Mason Mount the freedom to do what they want, they didn't have to spend most of their time on the edge of their own box tracking back.
“With Partey in there now, who's so dominant in there and doesn't lose the ball, I think there's a place for Ozil now.
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Arsenal news: The Gunners have won four FA Cups since Mesut Ozil joined the club (Image: EXPRESS)
"He’s a player that belongs to a football club, he’s been a really important player in the last few seasons. I have to respect that, I’m here to make decisions, the best decisions for the team and for the club.
"This is what I try to do and then I have to explain them because people need the reasons and the right answers.
"I just give mine, whether they believe me or agree with me or not, there’s nothing I can do.
"But I have to put my decisions, with my heart and with my brain to make the right decisions that I believe are good."
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