German holds Arteta back says ex-gunner

ANDREY ARSHAVIN says Mesut Ozil is not the right fit for Arsenal and has no future at the Emirates.

The former Gunners attacking midfielder knows creative brilliance when he sees it – and he would take Cesc Fabregas over Ozil all day long.

Russian star Arshavin will forever be an Arsenal hero after his four-goal Anfield super-show against Liverpool in the Premier League almost 11 years ago.

Although now retired, part of his heart is still in north London.

But he is surprised Ozil is still at the club, saying the German is holding back Mikel Arteta’s side.

Arshavin said: “As a player, of course I respect him. Mesut is world class. But for me personally, he slows down the game.

“I would prefer to use another player. Mikel, as we can see, is the opposite and 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 and that makes it simple for the defence.”

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

“I was lucky I played alongside such good players like Robin van Persie, Samir Nasri and Bacary Sagna at Arsenal,” said Arshavin, speaking exclusively to 888sport.

“But my favourite player was Cesc Fabregas 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 on the pitch.”

Arteta is now charged with plotting a way back for the Gunners after they lost ground under Unai Emery.

Arshavin spent two years with Arteta at Arsenal and, looking back, reckons the Spaniard was always cut out for management.

“At that time I did not really think about this but, when I go