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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Darren Lewis

Arsenal legend tells Mesut Ozil he needs to emulate Dennis Bergkamp to prolong Gunners career

Mesut Ozil has been urged to match the consistency of Dennis Bergkamp if he wants to fire Arsenal back into the top four.

The £350,000-a-week midfielder faces an uncertain future at the Emirates after falling out with Unai Emery and failing to influence enough games last season.

Arsenal chiefs are now willing to listen to offers for the 30-year-old - who has two years left on his contract - in a bid to slash their wage bill and free up transfer funds for Unai Emery.

But former Gunner Ray Parlour - who lifted three titles with the club - believes Ozil could yet have a future in north London, as long as he is prepared to follow the inspirational example of legendary Bergkamp.

Mesut Ozil has been urged by Ray Parlour to replicate Dennis Bergkamp's consistency for Arsenal (Getty Images)

"If Mesut is going to play a part in getting Arsenal back in the top four, then the club should keep him," Parlour said. "But he has got to work hard.

"I played with Dennis Bergkamp and he very rarely had a poor game - you always knew what you would get out of him - and that is what Mesut needs to do, too.

"The best players are consistent and I want to see that from Mesut. He is a quality player but he goes in and out of games, and it could be argued that he goes missing in the big matches. That is when you need your top men to perform.

Ozil has fallen out of favour under Unai Emery and could leave Arsenal this summer (REUTERS)

"He should have that in his locker. He has won the World Cup and starred for massive clubs. He just needs to show that desire to play for his team-mates and show more energy.

"The investment is going to be very important for Arsenal if they want to get back into the top four. Mesut is the one who is on big wages that they might need to free up. It is a massive decision for the club.”

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