Wenger says Arsenal have a ‘super talent’ who Arteta just isn’t using

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Arsene Wenger has told BBC Sport that Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil is a ‘special talent’ who needs to be brought back into contention.

Mikel Arteta seems to be desperate to offload the German playmaker, and he has not used him at all since March.

Ozil has been overlooked time and time again for Arsenal, and although he remained at the club over the summer, he seems to have no future at the Emirates Stadium.

And Wenger, who brought Ozil to Arsenal, thinks it is a real shame to see the 31-year-old left out in the cold.

“I feel it is a waste for him,” the former Gunners boss said.

“Firstly because he’s in the years where a player of his talent can produce the most. And it’s a waste for the club as well because he’s a super talent, a creative talent that in the final third can create that killer pass.

“The way football is going at the moment it’s quick counter-pressing, quick transitions and everybody plays the same. It’s kicked out players like Ozil. Although let’s not forget who this guy is. A world champion who has played at Real Madrid.

“He’s been the record player of assists, so you have to find a way to get him involved again.”

Despite his obvious talent on the ball Ozil hasn’t been productive for Arsenal on the pitch for a long time now.

Ozil claimed just two Premier League assists in 18 appearances last term, which hardly encouraged Arteta to keep picking him.

Arteta is also demanding his Arsenal side really press from the front, and there is a feeling that Ozil simply doesn’t fit into his style.

Arsenal are in action against Manchester City at the weekend, but it would be a major shock if Ozil was involved.