Arsenal legend Martin Keown says he believes Mesut Ozil has ‘already left’ the club in his head, and believes he is testing Arsene Wenger like no one has before.

The 28-year-old has been a bit part player this season for the Gunners, being limited to just four Premier League starts. But with under one year remaining on his current contract and with no signs of a renewal, Ozil looks almost certain to be on his way out, and Keown believes the midfielder already has one foot out the exit door.

“I think he’s testing Wenger more than any other player has,” Keown told BBC Radio 5 Live.

“I think it was Belarus the other week, he didn’t fancy going. He didn’t want to go.”

“Suddenly he was injured again, he played nine minutes against West Bromwich Albion on the Monday, so how did he get injured there?”

“I think in some departments he’s already left. Psychologically, mentally, he’s already left the football club. Maybe Wenger is now trying to do the best deal he can to get some compensation for him.”

“I think he doesn’t want that sort of player around the youngsters in the group.”

“They played exceptionally well at Chelsea, where [Alex] Iwobi did a really manful job – I know he hasn’t got the talent of Ozil, of course, but suddenly Arsenal could compete in both departments defensively and attacking -wise. It was probably the best performance I’ve seen in a couple of years.”

“I was really impressed and it seemed like every player was giving their best. Sanchez is different. He loves playing football, just give him a ball and he’ll play and that’s all he wants to do.”

“But Ozil, I think he’s downed tools, he wants to go and it’s going to get messy.”
[Quotes via Metro]