Emery wants Ozil to fight for future

UNAI EMERY wants Mesut Ozil to fight to revive his flagging Arsenal career. The German’s future at the Emirates is under a cloud after he was omitted from the last two matches — although Arsenal are adamant Ozil was injured for Sunday’s epic 4-2 win over Tottenham. Despite his obvious doubts over Ozil, it is understood Emery believes the ex-Real Madrid star can play a role for the club. But the Gunners manager wants to see a change in attitude from Ozil if he is to be convinced the forward has the appetite to claw his way back into the team. He is likely to miss tomorrow’s showdown against Manchester United — Emery insisting yesterday that Ozil trained alone in a bid to overcome the back problem that ruled him out of the north London derby. The extent of the injury is unclear. Indeed, there is a feeling among certain figures at the club’s London Colney HQ that Ozil could have made himself available for the Tottenham game. Emery is understood to have held a frank discussion with Ozil towards the end of last month when he outlined in no uncertain terms what he expects from his No 10 — particularly in terms of intensity and work ethic. It is not that Ozil is a prima donna. He is a popular member of the squad, described as a quiet man who is no trouble. ‘He doesn’t ever moan, he just gets on with things,’ said one source. Ozil’s position as Arsene Wenger’s golden boy certainly made him a powerful presence in the dressing room. But in the space of four months, Emery has changed that. Sources insist the Spaniard is keen to avoid the scenario he encountered at Paris Saint-Germain where Neymar called the shots. The Gunners know finding a buyer for a 30-year-old who is on £350,000-aweek will be easier said than done.