Arsenal are wasting Mesut Ozil and should sign Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha, says David Seaman

David Seaman has told former club Arsenal that they are wasting Mesut Ozil’s talent as they are crying out for a player of his quality.

Ozil was left out of Arsenal’s Europa League and Premier League squads this season, meaning he is unable to play competitive football until January.

The German currently has just over six months to run on his £350,000-a-week contract, but he has not played for the Gunners since March.

Ozil has publicly and privately stated his desire to play for Arsenal, however he has found himself out of favour under manager Mikel Arteta.

And former goalkeeper Seaman, who spent over a decade at Arsenal and won two Premier League titles and four FA Cups under Arsene Wenger, believes Ozil’s talent is being wasted.

“I am surprised Arteta is choosing to leave out Mezut Ozil because he’s a player of quality,” Seaman told The Target Men Podcast.

“I feel something’s gone on personally between the two of them, because to leave him out, and on the money he’s on, is a big statement and for me it’s a bit of a waste, because he’s still a quality player.

“When you look at the Arsenal team, we’re crying out for a player like that, so why don’t you build your team around Ozil rather than just leaving him out in the field and letting him go.”

Arsenal have struggled for form this season and currently sit 14th in the Premier League with just 13 points to their name.
That is their worst tally after the opening 10 matches of any league campaign since the 1981-82 season.

And Seaman said: “The way Arsenal are now, top four is going to be almost like winning the Premier League.

“The team need to get a run going and gain confidence again, but I do think top four would be a great season for Arsenal.”

The Gunners have been struggling for goals this season and have scored just 10 so far in the Premier League.

Arsenal have, as a result, been tipped to add to their squad during the January transfer window and Arteta has revealed the club are in talks over plans.

Seaman is keen for his old club to sign Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha, who has been tracked by Arsenal for years.

“I think Zaha would be a good addition to Arsenal because he’s a proven goalscorer,” he said.

“I don’t know the reason why it hasn’t happened as he obviously wants to come. Whether it’s the agents and clubs not agreeing certain things, that must be the reason, but he’s made it clear that he wants to come as he’s an Arsenal fan.

“He would be a good addition to the squad, no doubt at all.”

David Seaman was speaking to ‘The Target Men Podcast, brought to you by Football Index’ - https://www.thetargetmen.com/

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