Alan Smith thinks Mesut Ozil-like situation is developing at Arsenal with two players

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Alan Smith has told Sky Sports that a Mesut Ozil-like situation is developing at Arsenal regarding two players, in the form of Willian and Nicolas Pepe as the Gunners duo continue to under-perform with Mikel Arteta at the helm.

Ozil, 32, finally left Arsenal in the January window – being released by the Gunners to complete a permanent move to the club he supported as a child, Fenerbahce. It comes after he failed to make a single appearance at Arsenal this season.

The 92-time Germany international was heavily criticised by parts of the club’s fanbase and numerous pundits for remaining at The Emirates on his huge £350,000-a-wek contract – despite the Gunners giving him that contract.

His pay cheque is finally off the wage bill, but Arsenal still have some players on huge contracts. Ex-Gunners ace Smith thinks Willian and Pepe – who earn £192,000 and £100,000 a week (Spotrac) – are becoming Ozil-like situations at Arsenal.

“The Ozil saga has thankfully come to an end and that was a distraction, although he’s got a similar one now with Willian and, to a lesser extent, Nicolas Pepe, on big, big money and not producing,” Smith said.

TBR’s view – Pepe and Willian, are they becoming like Ozil?

Willian certainly is. Arsenal inexplicably agreed to give Willian – who is 33 in the summer – a three-year deal until the summer of 2023. Though he is not earning wages like Ozil, it is still the best part of £200,000 a week.

Pepe is not like Ozil. The former Lille man is on good wages but a wage that is affordable for Arsenal. He is only 25 and there is scope for him to improve – despite a tricky 18 months since joining. His recent move to left wing might just help him.