Martin Keown claims that Mesut Ozil should be gone come January, having shown he is uninterested in giving his all for Arsenal.
The German international has failed to agree a new contract with the club over the past two seasons, and is into the final year of his current deal, leading to much speculation over his future.
Ozil is no doubt a special talent, but has come under scrutiny for a number of lazy displays, and many pundits and fans alike believe he lacks the mentality to play for Arsenal any longer, with his inclusion described as a luxury.
Martin Keown has now called for the club to cash in on him come the new year, claiming he either lacks that killer instinct, or no longer cares.
He said: “The top players are ruthless and they don’t play for fun.
“I don’t know if he’s got that ruthlessness in his makeup.
“That ball has got to be in the back of the net. That should be game over, Arsenal have won the game.
“People might think I’m gunning for him, but you’ve got to be clinical in those situations.”
Keown went on to question the £42m signing’s mentality further.
“Is he really bothered? He’s just missed a chance to win a game for Arsenal,” he continued.
“Everything that happens afterwards wouldn’t have happened. I don’t know if he cares enough or not but he’s certainly not ruthless enough.
“He had a gilt-edged opportunity to wrap up proceedings today and he didn’t take it.
“There’s only one outcome here. When it comes to January surely Mesut Ozil will be gone.
“I’d keep [Alexis] Sanchez through to the end of the season because surely he is their best chance of getting into the Champions League.”
Is Ozil still lacking full fitness? Was his performance level the same when he was fit? Is he surplus to requirements this season?
Pat J