Emery treatment of Ozil has left Merson ‘shocked’ as legend urges Arsenal boss to make U-turn and play ‘club’s best player’
PAUL MERSON has urged Unai Emery to make a U-turn and play Mesut Ozil after revealing he is "shocked" by the Spanish boss' behaviour.
The Arsenal legend wants Emery to take advantage of their struggling top four rivals and strike before they figure out their issues.
But Merson knows Emery will be too stubborn to play Ozil - even though he is the club's "best player".
Merson said: "Mesut Ozil should be starting Arsenal’s next few games so they can take advantage of how badly Tottenham and Manchester United are struggling.
"Arsenal have to make hay while the sun shines and their rivals are struggling, so they have got to put some points together in these games and go on a run.
"It’s a big few weeks for them – and that’s why I would play Ozil. I personally think he’s their best player.
Merson went on to say he can't see Ozil getting a run of games - as Emery can't risk him performing well as he attempts to sell him.
He continued: "Unai Emery should bring him in from the cold. But he won’t.
"If he plays Ozil and they win, he has to keep playing him, and the manager doesn’t want that. The manager wants him out.
"And if that’s the plan then they are going to have to swallow a pill and get rid of him in January come what may.
"Emery has been getting good performances out of Dani Ceballos, Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson.
"But I thought Ozil was Arsenal’s best player against Watford and he hasn’t played since. That shocked me to be honest."
Ozil's career at Arsenal is all-but over - and the German is thought to have put his £10million London mansion up for sale ahead of a January move to Fenerbahce.
Meanwhile, Arsenal head of football Raul Sanllehi has handed Ozil a lifeline - but said he must "work harder 24/7".