Paul Merson says Mesut Ozil can play for Arsenal, but only if Thomas Partey is in there

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Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson believes Mesut Ozil has a route back into the Gunners first-team, but only if Thomas Partey is fit and firing.

Ozil remains isolated from the first XI under Mikel Arteta. The Spaniard opting not to select the German in his squad, thus keeping Ozil out of contention for minutes.

However, pressure is growing from afar on Arteta, with Arsenal struggling to create and score goals at the moment. Ozil, naturally, is the name being touted by pundits and fans alike.

And according to Sky Sports’ Paul Merson, Arsenal can get Ozil back in the first XI with the help of new signing, £220k-a-week midfielder, Thomas Partey.

“For me, Mesut Ozil comes back in the team if Thomas Partey is fit. Partey gets around the pitch, dominates the midfield and dictates the game. Him playing opens up a chance for Ozil

“If Partey doesn’t play, Ozil can’t play. Without Partey, Arsenal are not going to dictate the midfield, and then can’t afford to play with 10 men. But if Arsenal have the midfield, and Ozil is playing behind Aubameyang, with two flying wingers. You ask the back four to stay still, including the full-backs.”

Merson’s view is one that is shared by others with links to the club at the moment. Former midfielder Jack Wilshere among those to pass comment on the Ozil situation in recent times.

Ozil, though, would have to be re-registed in January for Merson to get his wish. Coincidentally, there would be no chance of Merson’s suggestion going ahead as things stand, with Partey out for at least the next few weeks.

Can Arteta handle the pressure here? It’s growing – TBR View

The Arsenal boss has dug his heels in over the situation surrounding Ozil and no matter what he says, there is definitely something amiss between the pair.

Whether Arteta can resist all the calls in recent weeks to reinstate Ozil, remains to be seen. With the lack of goals and chances being created, those calls will only intensify you’d assume.