‘OZIL’S NOT RIGHT FOR ARSENAL’

Arshavin: He slows down the game and I see no future for him at the Emirates

ANDREY ARSHAVIN has claimed Mesut Ozil is not the right fit for Arsenal and should have no future at The Emirates.

Former Arsenal attacking midfielder Arshavin knows brilliance when he sees it – and would take Cesc Fabregas over Ozil as the best play-making Gunner he has seen.

The Russian star, now 38, will forever be an Emirates hero after his four-goal Anfield super show against Liverpool in the Premier League almost 11 years ago.

But he is amazed that Ozil is still at

Arsenal and believes the German star is holding back Mikel

Arteta’s side.

“As a player I respect him – he is world class. But for me he slows down the game,” said Arshavin (above). “I would prefer to use another player, but Mikel plays him a lot.

“He has improved his game at Arsenal but still in the future I do not see him there. He also does not shoot enough. He always looks to pass.”

Ozil was a World Cup winner with Germany but Arshavin says he is not in the same league as former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Fabregas.

“I was lucky that I played alongside such good players as Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Bacary Sagna,” said Arshavin, speaking exclusively to 888sport. “But my favourite player was Cesc, because he was very smart and intelligent.

“He could deliver a ball exactly at the point I wanted it, and when he was at the top of his game he never lost the ball. He always found solutions.”

Arshavin spent two years playing alongside Gunners boss Arteta at Arsenal and says the Spaniard was always cut out for management.

“He became a captain and showed his capabilities to lead people,” he said. “He would always discuss how we need to play, at half-time and after the game. “He worked next to Arsene Wenger and he also has the respect of the club and players. And he also worked under the best coach, Pep Guardiola – so why not?

“It was a good choice because he knows Arsenal well. Since he has taken over they have changed in a good way. But the squad is not balanced. They attack and play pretty football, but defensively they are weak.

“So, it is difficult to predict if Arsenal can finish in the Champions League zone, especially in the time we’re in now.”

Arshavin says shot-shy Ozil is too easy for defenders to deal with Go to 888sport.com/blog/ to learn how Arshavin thinks Pepe will become one of the Premier League greats.