‘What’s Mesut Ozil done for Arsenal? Absolutely zero’ – Paul Mariner

The Arsenal playmaker has seen his value to the cause and lucrative contract at Emirates Stadium called into question by Paul Mariner. 

The former Gunners star Paul Mariner claims Mesut Ozil has offered “absolutely zero” to Arsenal since signing a lucrative new contract with the club. 

In February 2018, a long-running drama concerning the German playmaker’s future at the club was brought to an end as he penned fresh terms. 

That deal was considered to be a statement of intent in challenging titles for those at Emirates Stadium, as another prized asset was prevented from heading for the exit doors. 

However, questions and doubts have continued to be asked and raised on the World Cup-winning player’s contributions in the wake of that extension, with Unai Emery having taken to overlooking him on a regular basis since inheriting the Wenger’s seat. 

Telling the ESPN FC podcast of some baffling businesses, Mariner believes the 30-year-old is doing little to justify a regular role for his new deal: “I’m dumbfounded why Arsenal would let [Alexis] Sanchez go. Sanchez, when I used to go to Arsenal to watch him play, he was phenomenal.”

“It didn’t pan out so much for United but they let Sanchez go, they’re letting [Aaron] Ramsey go for nothing! What’s going on?

“And with Ozil, there’s something going on with Ozil that we don’t know about.”

“Arsenal decided to put all their eggs in one basket with Ozil, right? But what’s Ozil done for the club? Absolutely zero! Zero.”

“Yes, he’s a fantastic player, but he’s got to get fit. He’s never fit! There’s something going on with this kid that we don’t know about.”

Ozil was not included in Arsenal squad once again over the weekend as they suffered a 1-0 derby defeat to London rivals West Ham.

Obviously, the Gunners lacked creativity going forward without the Ozil, but after the game, Emery sought to defend his team selection by claiming that he had enough quality within his side to cope without one player.

On Ozil, the Spaniard said: “He’s working this week normally. Like I said we win with him and lose with him. Today the decision is to come with these players.”

“But, like I have said, we have won with him and lost with him, and today I chose the players who deserved to play in this match.”

“I decided that these players were the best for this match. We had enough players to win today. The quality is there. And I chose the players who deserved to play in this match.”

It now remains unclear whether Ozil will be brought back into the team for a crunch derby with Chelsea on Saturday which could go a long way to determine to determine whether Arsenal remain in the hunt for a top-four finish.