Martin Keown believes Arsenal could pay off Mesut Ozil this summer in order to allow the next crop of youngsters at the club to flourish.
The attacking midfielder has found himself on the outside looking in since the Premier League season resumed in mid-June following a three-month break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
All of which has prompted talk that he could be on the move in the summer transfer window.
Turkish website Fotosport claimed last month that the Fenerbahce board are plotting a way to crowdfund a potential move for Ozil.
However, the 31-year-old's agent, Erkut Sogut, has said that the midfielder will make a decision on his future at some point in 2021, but insists he won't be leaving the club this summer.
But when asked if he thinks Ozil has a future at Arsenal, Keown told Stadium Astro:“No, I don’t think he does.
“And I think really this summer now they may see the player being paid off, because I think now it’s about protecting the next generation.
“I think it’s a real shame because he had a magnificent talent, but if you’re not prepared to work hard out of possession for the team, then you don’t get to play in the new Arsenal at the moment and that’s what Arteta is all about.
“Work ethic comes first and then everything else is a bonus you play from there. Clearly he’s not seeing enough on the training pitch.
Before Keown added: “People go into comfort zones whether they like it or not, they can’t often see it.
“But, you know, that must have played a part. He’s a millionaire every month, after tax. ‘My attitude to that is every player should get the best contract they can, and if he’s perfuming he deserves that, but when he doesn’t, it’s very expensive for Arsenal football club.
“It maybe sends the complete wrong message to some of those youngsters, he’s had opportunities he hasn’t taken."
