MIKEL ARTETA must undertake a huge clear out at Arsenal, with Mesut Ozil the first out of the door in the summer, according to Chris Waddle.
The former England international, 59, believes the new Gunners chief will enjoy bringing in players who can commit to his pressing style this summer.
MIkel Arteta must work wonders in the summer transfer window, including selling Mesut Ozil, says Chris Waddle
Waddle said there are too many players on the books of Arsenal, Ozil included, who just don’t fit – but is tipping the North Londoners for success next season.
Speaking to Racing Post, Waddle said: “This season it will be a massive success if they can get into the top six and I’m not sure I fancy them for that.
“But next season Arteta can have a charge at the top four.
“To do so, however, will mean a summer clear-out because I’m not sure all the players currently at the club will buy into the style of play Arteta wants.
“[Arteta needs] players who can press, look after the ball, have a hunger to work, and have that winning mentality.
“Players such as Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang need to show Arteta that they can be trusted in a new system.
“But I’m sure they will be given the opportunity to fit in.”
Continuing that theme, Waddle said he can’t envisage a world where Ozil is still at the Emirates in 2020-21 because he “hasn’t got the appetite” for the English game.
That may have been true under Unai Emery, but the German playmaker looks like a star reborn under Arteta – as his incredible stats from the game against Manchester United earlier this month prove.
Despite his rebirth, Waddle claimed: “I’d be very surprised if Mesut Ozil is at the club next season.
“He’s a talented player who is ideally suited to Serie A and I can see him going there and shining.
“Right now, though, he looks like a player who has simply lost the appetite for the English game.”
Waddle also went on to say Arteta will be jealous of Championship side Leeds – suggesting they play exactly how Arsenal SHOULD be playing.
He added: “I bet you Mikel Arteta took one look at Marcelo Bielsa’s side on Monday and thought that’s how I want my team to be playing.
“The fact that he had to give his side a half-time rocket tells you all you need to know.
“Arteta has got the makings of a top manager because he has learned from the best.
“He played under Arsene Wenger and coached under Pep Guardiola, so he couldn’t have been under the wings of better men.
“Now he has the chance to put all that knowledge to good use and I’m sure we’ll see significant improvement from Arsenal – and a change in style.
“But it will take time.”
Arteta has seen change in Arsenal morale
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
