Martin Keown’s theory on Mikel Arteta decision on ‘technically gifted’ Arsenal player

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Martin Keown gave his take on BT Sport 2 (5:36pm, October 22, 2020) on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta deciding to leave Mesut Ozil out of his squad until January at least.

Arteta has left German attacking midfielder Ozil out of his Europa League and Premier League squads.

Arsenal legend Keown believes that it is “extremely sad” that the 32-year-old is not playing, and suggested that it could be because of the former Real Madrid star’s “application”.

Keown said about Ozil on BT Sport 2 (5:36pm, October 22, 2020), as transcribed by The Mirror: ”When you don’t get named in the 25, you’re basically being told, ‘you’re not welcome, you’re not a part of the future’.

“I think it’s extremely sad, a quality player, and for whatever reason, we don’t really know why. But when someone’s technically gifted like that, it has to be an application thing. Effort, the package, and that’s a real shame that it couldn’t be worked out.”

No way back for Mesut Ozil?

Ozil has not played for the Arsenal first team since March, and it seems that the 32-year-old will have to turn out for the Under-23 side for the next few months.

Perhaps the situation could change in January, especially if the Gunners are unable to offload him when the window opens and/or the team do not do well in the next few weeks.

For now,it seems that Arteta has made up his mind on Ozil, who is out of contract at Arsenal at the end of the season and could have played his final game for the North London club.