PRICELESS

Arteta says ‘special player’ Ozil is worth every penny of his £350,000-a-week wage and it does not affect team selection

MIKEL ARTETA says Mesut Ozil deserves his £350,000-a-week salary and insists it has never been a factor in whether he plays or not.

Ozil was becoming a regular for Arsenal before the season was suspended but has not played a minute since it restarted.

And while Arteta admitted he wants the former Germany star to feel “hurt and disappointed” when he is left out, he insists the door is always open for him.

Asked whether Ozil’s salary was ever a factor in his selection, the Gunners manager said: “Never. That is an agreement the player and the club were really happy to do. To move ahead. It’s never something I question.

“Players are paid whatever they deserve because both parties agreed to it. That should never be something I have to be judging. I know him really well because I played with him. Mesut has unique qualities. A really special player for the position he plays, he is specific in the qualities he has.

“I don’t think much has changed from when he first arrived. He established himself in this league for a long time, which is not easy. I’m expecting a player who isn’t playing to feel hurt and disappointed. I believe he’s not very happy because he’s not playing.

“But, as well, he picked up an injury the other day and we have to see how he evolves. I want all my players at their best and to have the ability to pick them. That’s the only intention that I have.”

Ozil is a doubt to face Norwich tonight with a back injury but he was fit enough to make the bench against Brighton and Southampton.

The Gunners will again listen to offers for the 31-year-old when the transfer window opens, and fellow misfit Matteo Guendouzi’s future is also in doubt after recently being axed by Arteta.

“Everybody I have in the squad, my job is to get the maximum out of them,” Arteta said. “If they are willing, everybody is welcome. I always hope that the players want to give their best.”

Arteta (left), who revealed Lucas Torreira is “close” to a return from injury, is likely to be without David Luiz, who had a scan on Monday on his injured hamstring. He also confirmed defender William Saliba is expected to extend his loan with Saint-etienne to play in the French Cup final on July 24.

Martinez, Tierney, Holding, Mustafi, Bellerin, Xhaka, Ceballos, Saka, Pepe, Nketiah, Aubameyang.

Krul, Aarons, Tettey, Godfrey, Lewis, Mclean, Trybull, Buendia, Duda, Cantwell, Pukki

BT Sport, 6pm