Former Gunners striker lays into Arsenal talisman, advises summer sale

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Former striker Kevin Campbell believes Arsenal should cut their losses with Mesut Ozil and sell the playmaker this summer.

The German has had an indifferent first season under Unai Emery.

He has shown glimpses of his world class ability, but he is certainly not a favourite of the Spaniard’s, which is evidenced by his 23 Premier League appearances.

There is a lingering feeling amongst some fans that Ozil – a £42.4 million signing from Real Madrid in 2013 (BBC Sport) – may not be sticking around ahead of next season, and Campbell feels that cashing in is the way to go regarding the divisive maestro.

Campbell, who represented the Gunners from 1988-95, told The Daily Express: “If it was up to me, he’d be gone.

“I don’t think he can contribute enough to Arsenal. With the set-up and the way the Premier League is going, I don’t think he does enough.

“Is he a wonderfully gifted player? Of course he is. But the way his talent is going, he doesn’t do enough for me.”

TBR’s view

The problem with Ozil is that mediocre performances are unforgivable due to the astronomical weekly wage he takes home.

Arsenal were fools to hand him the bumper contract they did (£300,000-a-week according to Total Sportek), and Campbell makes the point that selling the former Germany international would potentially allow for several versatile acquisitions.

Ozil is undeniably talented, but perhaps getting him off the books would be a risk worth taking, especially since it has been reported Arsenal will only have around £40 million to spend this summer (The Sun).